UEL: Spurs Edge AZ Alkmaar in Thrilling Europa League Clash

Wilson Odobert's brace helps Tottenham Hotspur overcome AZ Alkmaar 3-2 on aggregate, securing a spot in the Europa League quarterfinals.

Tottenham Hotspur secured a hard-fought victory over AZ Alkmaar, advancing to the UEFA Europa League Quarter-Finals with a 3-2 aggregate win. This triumph marked Spurs' fifth win in six European home games against Dutch teams, a testament to their strong record in such encounters.

With their domestic silverware hopes dashed for another year, Tottenham were determined to keep their European campaign alive and avoid a trophyless season. Ange Postecoglou's side were keen to make a statement, and they did just that in the 26th minute. A moment of brilliance from Son Heung-min led to the opening goal, as he won the ball back from Wouter Goes outside the Alkmaar box.

The opportunity was seized upon by Dominic Solanke, who picked up the loose ball and delivered a pinpoint square pass into the danger zone. Wilson Odobert was the beneficiary, firing home with precision to send the stadium into raptures. Odobert's strike proved to be the decisive moment, as Spurs battled past a resilient AZ Alkmaar side to book their quarter-final berth.

With the tie now level, Tottenham's confidence soared, and they came agonizingly close to scoring a second goal before halftime. Son Heung-min embarked on a thrilling solo run, driving into the heart of the AZ defense before unleashing a curled effort that Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro expertly saved, preserving the aggregate parity until the interval.

Odobert's late goal sends Spurs through ⚪️#UEL pic.twitter.com/Sf8CZgbj36

— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) March 13, 2025

The restart brought renewed energy from Spurs, and they swiftly doubled their lead within three minutes. Pape Matar Sarr initiated a swift counterattack, feeding Son, who laid off the ball to James Maddison. With precision, Maddison slotted the finish past the AZ goalkeeper, sending the hosts ahead in the tie for the first time. This deficit seemed to stir the Dutch side, who promptly responded with a fightback.

AZ's resurgence was sparked by a defensive mix-up involving Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr, which allowed Peer Koopmeiners to seize the opportunity and power the ball past Guglielmo Vicario. However, Spurs' lead was soon restored, as Son once again played a pivotal role. He released Djed Spence down the left flank, and the full-back's cross was expertly flicked to the back post by Dominic Solanke, where Wilson Odobert was waiting to tap in his second goal of the night.

In the final stages, Tottenham almost added a flourish to their victory, as Troy Parrott, returning to his boyhood club, was sent through on goal. However, his effort was magnificently saved by Vicario, and Mees de Wit's rebound was dramatically cleared off the line, ensuring the scoreline remained in Spurs' favor.