AZ Alkmaar v Tottenham LIVE: Europa League result and reaction as dismal Spurs slip to defeat
AZ 1-0 Tottenham: Lucas Bergvall’s own goal meant Spurs head into the second leg in north London behind but they were fortunate it wasn’t more after an insipid display
A comical first-half own goal from Lucas Bergvall consigned a lacklustre Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-0 loss away to AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
Bergvall's sliced clearance from a Troy Parrott shot looped in after 18 minutes and it proved enough to give AZ a first victory over an English side in 12 attempts.
Spurs had eight days to prepare for this fixture but produced a flat display in the Netherlands and did not register a shot on target until the 88th minute.
It was a thoroughly disappointing performance from Ange Postecoglou's team, especially given this competition remains the club's last hope of silverware this term and their only chance to salvage a difficult campaign. Tottenham now have it all to do ahead of Thursday's second leg in north London.
Relive the action with our live blog below:
‘Elite’ Son Heung-min not slowing down – Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou does not believe Tottenham captain Son Heung-min is set to “slow down” any time soon.
Son has double figures for assists this season, alongside 10 goals in all competitions, but had only found the net four times going into December to raise questions about his long-term future.
However, he has been more prolific since and the club triggered a one-year extension in January to keep him contracted until the summer of 2026.
“His ability to beat players, even in tight areas, is elite. His finishing I think is elite,” Postecoglou said.
“You never want to try to predict with players like Sonny how long he will go for because those kind of players I think always defy whatever odds there are because of the way they look after themselves and conduct themselves, the levels.
“Even this year, as difficult as it has been for us, I think his numbers still stack up. You weigh him up against any winger in the league, he’s still going to be top five.”
‘Elite’ Son Heung-min not slowing down – Ange Postecoglou
Ange Postecoglou eyes up ‘great opportunity’ to excel in Europa League
Ange Postecoglou believes the Europa League presents Tottenham with a “great opportunity” especially with the return of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke for tonight’s tie at AZ Alkmaar.
Spurs resume their European campaign with a last 16 first leg clash in the Netherlands with huge focus on the competition given the club’s domestic struggles this season.
The long-term absences of Van de Ven and Romero have contributed towards a difficult campaign as Tottenham sit 13th in the Premier League and are out of both domestic cup competitions but Postecoglou will aim to guide his squad a step closer to a first trophy since 2008 in the Europa League.
“Yeah, I think it is fair to say the boys really understand there is a great opportunity for us,” Postecoglou said.
“It’s a competition we obviously want to do well in. We’ve got ourselves in a good position. We’re in the round of 16, we’ve got two tough games against AZ and that’s the first thing to overcome.”
Spurs stars return to the bench
The Spurs bench is also worth looking at, with a number of their key cogs returning from injury.
Central defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are both on there - will Spurs’s defensive nightmare soon be over?
Dominic Solanke is also fit to make the bench, while the likes of Pedro Porro, Yves Bissouma and Wilson Odobert also offer options for Ange Postecoglou to change things
AZ v Tottenham team news
Here’s how the teams will line up today.
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Spence, Gray, Danso, Udogie; Maddison, Bergvall, Sarr; Johnson, Tel, Son
AZ Alkmaar XI: Owusu-Oduro; Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe; Clasie, Koopmeiners; Poku, Buurmeester, Lahdo; Parrott
Team news imminent
We’re just a couple of minutes away from finding out how the teams will line up this evening.
Which of Spurs’s injured stars will be fit to return in Alkmaar this evening?
Early Spurs team news
This match may come just too soon for Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke, though all three have returned to training so they could feature. Ben Davies and Richarlison are a few days behind that trio in terms of their recovery.
That said, Spurs’ injury crisis has eased in recent weeks, and the squad have had rest since the defeat to City on 26 February.
James Maddison, Wilson Odobert, Destiny Udogie and Brennan Johnson have all returned in the last few weeks, giving Ange Postecoglou plenty of midfield and attacking options ahead of this match. However, Dejan Kulusevski will be unavailable after picking up a knock.
Predicted Spurs XI: Vicario; Porro, Gray, Danso, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Tel, Son
How to watch AZ v Spurs
The match is due to kick off at 5.45pm GMT at the AFAS Stadium in Alkmaar, Netherlands.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the game live on TNT Sports 3, with coverage starting at 5pm. Subscribers can also watch online via discovery+.
You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for £30.99 per month.
Everything you need to know about AZ vs Spurs
Tottenham Hotspur face AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie, with Ange Postecoglou’s side looking to take a decisive advantage back to London.
Spurs have not played since a narrow 1-0 loss to Manchester City on 26 February, but that break has allowed Postecoglou to ease some key players back after long injury spells.
And returning players will help the side push for the only remaining trophy they can win as they look to salvage a disappointing season.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match:
Is AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch
AZ Alkmaar v Tottenham
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of AZ Alkmaar v Tottenham in the last 16 of the Europa League.
This competition is Spurs, and embattled boss Ange Postecoglou’s, last chance of lifting a trophy this season and they’ll aim to at least retain parity in the Netherlands ahead of the second leg back in north London.
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