Revitalised Spurs Triumph Over AZ Alkmaar to Secure Quarter-Final Spot Against Frankfurt

Tottenham Hotspur secured a spot in the UEFA Europa League Quarter-Finals after overcoming a determined AZ Alkmaar side, clinching the tie 3-2 on aggregate. This victory marks Spurs’ fifth win in their last six European encounters against Dutch teams at home.

With their pursuit of domestic trophies put on hold for another season, Spurs were keen to avoid the prospect of a further trophyless campaign.

After a somewhat tentative start, the atmosphere in the stadium lifted in the 26th minute when Son Heung-min stripped the ball from Wouter Goes just outside the Alkmaar penalty area.

Dominic Solanke seized the opportunity from the loose ball, passing to Wilson Odobert in the danger zone, who found the back of the net.

Now level on aggregate, Spurs visibly gained confidence and nearly scored again before the break. Son picked up the ball near the halfway line, surged into the AZ defence, and attempted a curling shot towards goal.

Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro managed to get low to keep it out, ensuring the teams went into half-time with the aggregate score unchanged.

Spurs quickly extended their lead just three minutes after the restart, when Pape Matar Sarr charged down the pitch and found Son, who in turn laid it off for James Maddison to slot home past the AZ goalkeeper.

Trailing on aggregate for the first time, the Dutch team responded and found a way back into the match. A mix-up between Lucas Bergvall and Sarr at the back allowed Peer Koopmeiners to pounce and fire the ball past Guglielmo Vicario.

However, De Kaaskoppen’s resurgence was short-lived, as Spurs regained their lead on aggregate in the 74th minute.

Once again, Son was a key figure, as he sent Djed Spence racing down the left flank. The full-back’s cross was met by Solanke, who flicked it back for Odobert to tap in his second goal.

Troy Parrott nearly capped a fairytale return to his former club, getting a breakaway chance on goal, but his shot was sensationally saved by Vicario, and Mees de Wit’s follow-up was cleared off the line.

Ultimately, Postecoglou’s men managed to see out the closing stages, securing their advance to the last eight.

AZ were unable to make the most of their goal, and have now suffered defeat in all 10 of their European away matches in England.

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