AZ go down fighting in 3-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League
AZ was knocked out of the UEFA Europa League by English side Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday. Maarten Martens’ young side fought valiantly but came up just short in London. Peer Koopmeiners had brought AZ back level, but two goals from Wilson Odobert and one from James Maddison were enough to give Ange Postecoglou’s side the win.
Ibrahim Sadiq started the match for AZ. The winger replaced Mayckel Lahdo, who got injured during the first leg against Tottenham last week, which AZ won 1-0. The man who replaced Lahdo in that game, Denso Kasius, also picked up an injury.
It was an uneventful first half, but a goal was scored. Wouter Goes's attempted clearance was deflected to Dominic Solanke. The striker calmly played the ball sideways to Wilson Odobert, and his finish was terrific, hitting it high into the goal.
Tottenham got their second goal of the match in the 48th minute. Mees de Wit, who had only come on three minutes ago, lost the ball in the midfield and this led to James Maddison converting the chance for Postecoglou’s side.
The Alkmaarders leveled the tie in the 63rd minute. A mistake by Lucas Bergvall was punished by Peer Koopmeiners. The midfielder gave Gianluca Vicario no chance with his shot, smashing it hard into the far corner in front of the traveling AZ fans.
Martens's team attempted a high press on the hosts in the 74th minute, and the decision proved costly as Spurs got their third goal to put them ahead on aggregate. A cross from Djed Spence was backheeled by Solanke to Odobert to tap home.
AZ threw the kitchen sink at Tottenham in the closing stages. Troy Parrot had a significant chance to score against his former side, but his effort was saved by Vicario. However, the danger was not over as the rebound went straight to De Wit. His shot was blocked by a Tottenham defender.
Martens’ team had one more chance when a cross from De Wit found Mexx Meerdink in the box, but the cross was just about too high, resulting in it going over the goal.
It was a terrific effort from AZ, and they will be proud of the many sides they were able to beat with this young side. Their attention will now be focused on the Eredivisie, where they face league leaders Ajax on Sunday. And the KNVB Cup final against Go Ahead Eagles.
