Tottenham Hotspur’s Europa League hopes hang in the balance after a disappointing 1-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their last-16 tie. Ange Postecoglou’s side were second best throughout the night, struggling to create chances and relying on goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario to keep them in the contest.
The only goal of the match came in unfortunate fashion, as teenager Lucas Bergvall inadvertently turned a cross into his own net in the 18th minute. Despite dominating possession, Spurs were unable to trouble the AZ defense, managing just one shot on target and two touches inside the opposition box.
Vicario was the standout performer for the visitors, making several crucial saves to deny former Spurs forward Troy Parrott and Ernest Poku. AZ, however, will feel they missed an opportunity to put the tie beyond reach after failing to convert a series of big chances.
To make matters worse for Tottenham, Rodrigo Bentancur received his third booking of the competition, ruling him out of the second leg. Additionally, striker Dominic Solanke, returning from injury, was forced off after just 20 minutes on the pitch, casting doubt over his availability for next week.
Postecoglou had spoken before the match about the opportunity the Europa League presented for his struggling side, who sit in the bottom half of the Premier League and have already been eliminated from both domestic cups. But their European campaign is now in real danger unless they can produce a vastly improved performance in the second leg in London.
With defensive vulnerabilities exposed and attacking fluency lacking, Tottenham must regroup quickly if they are to avoid another season without silverware. AZ, meanwhile, will travel to England knowing they squandered chances but remain in a strong position to reach the quarter-finals.
