Tottenham Stunned by AZ Alkmaar as Europa League Dream Hangs in Balance
In a stunning upset, Tottenham Hotspur fell 1-0 to AZ Alkmaar in their UEFA Europa League last-16 clash. The first-leg loss came on March 6, 2025, when Lucas Bergvall's unfortunate own goal gifted the Dutch side their first-ever win against an English club in twelve attempts. It was a match overshadowed not by Tottenham's potential but by a sequence of missed opportunities and a lackluster display.
The game-changing moment arrived in the 18th minute with Bergvall’s attempt to manage a clearance from AZ's Troy Parrott turning into an unexpected nightmare as the ball curved past his own goalkeeper. This singular blunder highlighted Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities that AZ eagerly exploited with their counterattacking prowess.
On the attack, Spurs appeared toothless and were worryingly unable to record a shot on target until the 88th minute. Manager Ange Postecoglou was candid, describing the performance as lacking both aggression and accuracy, crucial traits they need to harness if they hope to overcome the deficit. The loss heaps pressure on Spurs, marking yet another low in a season already plagued by 14 Premier League defeats.
The encounter, broadcasted on Paramount Plus in the United States and TNT Sports in the United Kingdom, was a masterclass in discipline by AZ. They took advantage of an injury-hampered Spurs, missing key players like Dejan Kulusevski and Richarlison, who might have turned the tide of the game.
Postecoglou remains cautiously optimistic about the upcoming second leg on March 13, underpinning the importance of refining their strategy and performance. For Spurs, this competition represents their last realistic shot at silverware this season, making the upcoming home game all the more pivotal. Fans will be watching closely for a resurgence, yearning for the team to transform this narrow defeat into a stepping stone rather than a stumbling block in their European journey.