Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar Report

Scorers: Odobert 26’, 74’, Maddison 48’; Koopmeiners 63’

Tottenham Hotspur secured their place in the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals with a hard-fought 3-2 aggregate victory over AZ Alkmaar.

The triumph marked Spurs’ fifth win in six home European encounters against Dutch opposition, keeping their hopes of silverware alive in what has been a challenging season domestically.

Son Sparks Spurs into Life After Cagey Start

With domestic trophies once again out of reach, Spurs entered the second leg determined to avoid another trophyless season. However, a cautious opening saw both sides struggle to create clear-cut chances, with tension palpable at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

That anxiety eased in the 26th minute when Son Heung-min pounced on a mistake from Wouter Goes outside the Alkmaar box.

The South Korean’s pressure forced a turnover, allowing Dominic Solanke to collect the loose ball and square it into the danger zone. Wilson Odobert made no mistake, rifling home to bring Spurs level in the tie and inject momentum into Postecoglou’s side.

Buoyed by the breakthrough, Spurs pushed for a second before half-time. Son, once again at the heart of the attack, embarked on a surging run from the halfway line before curling an effort goalwards.

However, Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro reacted well to get down low and ensure the aggregate score remained level at the break.

Maddison Puts Spurs Ahead Before AZ Hit Back

Spurs wasted little time seizing control after the restart, doubling their lead just three minutes into the second half. Pape Matar Sarr drove forward with intent before finding Son, who cleverly laid the ball off to James Maddison.

The England international coolly slotted his finish past Owusu-Oduro, putting Spurs ahead on aggregate for the first time in the tie.

However, just when it seemed like Spurs were in full control, AZ found a way back into the contest.

A defensive mix-up between Lucas Bergvall and Sarr gifted Peer Koopmeiners an opening, and the Dutch midfielder capitalised ruthlessly, powering his shot beyond Guglielmo Vicario to bring Alkmaar back within touching distance.

Odobert Seals Victory as AZ’s English Nightmare Continues

The visitors’ fightback was short-lived, as Spurs restored their aggregate lead in the 74th minute. Son, once again instrumental, released Djed Spence down the left flank.

The fullback’s driven cross was flicked to the back post by Solanke, where Odobert was on hand to tap in his second goal of the night, effectively sealing Tottenham’s place in the last eight.

AZ nearly set up a grandstand finish when Troy Parrott—returning to face his boyhood club—was sent through on goal, only to be denied by a brilliant save from Vicario.

Mees de Wit’s follow-up attempt was then dramatically cleared off the line, ensuring Spurs saw out the closing moments with relative comfort.

For AZ, the defeat continued their miserable record in England, as they have now lost all 10 of their away European matches on English soil. Meanwhile, Spurs march into the quarter-finals, keeping their European hopes alive despite another frustrating domestic campaign.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar | UEFA Europa League 2024/25