Tottenham Hotspur has something to set right against AZ on Thursday. To reach the Europa League quarter-finals, the English giants must overturn a 1-0 defeat from the first leg. "We have our struggles, but the quality is there. That hasn’t suddenly disappeared."
Tottenham Hotspur will attempt to overturn their 1-0 first-leg defeat against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night in a crucial Europa League Round of 16 match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The London club faces a significant challenge, as they must find a way to break down a disciplined AZ side that managed to frustrate them in the first encounter. With the stakes high and European progression on the line, Ange Postecoglou’s team is expected to come out with a renewed sense of urgency and intensity in front of their home crowd.
The first leg saw Tottenham fall to a surprising 1-0 defeat in Alkmaar, with an unfortunate own goal from Lucas Bergvall proving to be the decisive moment. Spurs dominated possession for large stretches of the game but struggled to create clear-cut chances against an organized AZ defense. "We didn’t play with the intensity we normally have," Postecoglou admitted during Wednesday’s pre-match press conference. "It wasn’t our best performance, and we lacked a bit of sharpness in key moments. We need to be much better tomorrow if we want to turn this around."
The Australian coach acknowledged that finding a specific reason for the lackluster first-leg performance was difficult, suggesting it could be down to a variety of factors. "It could be a combination of things. We have had our struggles, but I believe in the quality of this squad. That hasn’t suddenly disappeared," he added, emphasizing his belief that his team is more than capable of getting the result they need.
One major boost for Spurs ahead of the second leg is the fitness status of key defender Micky van de Ven. The 23-year-old Dutchman had been dealing with an injury but managed to feature for 30 minutes in Sunday’s Premier League win over Bournemouth, suggesting he is ready for a more prominent role on Thursday. Cristian Romero is also available for selection, giving Postecoglou more options in defense. However, Tottenham will be without Kevin Danso, who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, adding an element of concern regarding the team’s defensive stability.
With a place in the Europa League quarter-finals at stake, Postecoglou highlighted the magnitude of the occasion, stressing the importance of his team embracing the high-pressure nature of knockout football. "It’s a big match, no doubt about it," he said. "From this stage forward, every game is either win or go home. We know that, and we have to use it as motivation rather than fear. That’s why it’s a positive that we’re playing at home we need to make it count."
Tottenham’s attack will need to be far more clinical than they were in the first leg. Despite controlling possession in Alkmaar, Spurs struggled to break down AZ’s well-structured backline, managing only a handful of meaningful opportunities. In the return leg, the emphasis will likely be on playing with greater intensity, pressing higher up the pitch, and ensuring that chances are converted into goals. Postecoglou is expected to deploy a more aggressive setup, possibly bringing in additional attacking reinforcements to ensure his side creates and capitalizes on scoring opportunities.
AZ, meanwhile, will be aiming to replicate their defensive solidity from the first leg while hoping to exploit spaces on the counterattack. The Dutch side has been impressive in European competition this season and has shown resilience in protecting leads against strong opposition. Tottenham will have to be wary of their counterattacking threats, particularly if they commit too many players forward in pursuit of an equalizer.
Beyond the immediate challenge of overturning the first-leg deficit, Postecoglou also took a moment to reflect on the progress of former Spurs academy player Troy Parrott, who has been making a name for himself in the Eredivisie. "For players like Troy, leaving the UK can be a good step in their development," Postecoglou commented. "Some players find their best version in a league that suits them better. The Eredivisie has been great for him, and he’s doing really well. I’m happy for him, but tomorrow we’ll have to keep him in check."
The upcoming 90 minutes or possibly more if extra time is required will be a true test of Tottenham’s resilience and attacking efficiency. A failure to break down AZ could result in a disappointing early exit from European competition, while a dominant performance could set the stage for a deep Europa League run. The North London side has no margin for error, and with their home supporters behind them, they must rise to the occasion and deliver a result worthy of their ambitions.
