A comical first-half own goal from Lucas Bergvall consigned a lacklustre Tottenham Hotspur to a 1-0 loss away to AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie.
Bergvall's sliced clearance from a Troy Parrott shot looped in after 18 minutes and it proved enough to give AZ a first victory over an English side in 12 attempts.
Spurs had eight days to prepare for this fixture but produced a flat display in the Netherlands and did not register a shot on target until the 88th minute.
It was a thoroughly disappointing performance from Ange Postecoglou's team, especially given this competition remains the club's last hope of silverware this term and their only chance to salvage a difficult campaign. Tottenham now have it all to do ahead of Thursday's second leg in north London.
Relive the action with our live blog below:
AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham - Live updates
- Tottenham beaten 1-0 by AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 clash
- Lucas Bergvall's own goal was the difference but Spurs lucky not to lose by more after insipid display
- The Europa League is Spurs's final chance of a trophy this season after exiting the other cup competitions
- FULL-TIME! AZ 1-0 Tottenham
- 53' - SAVE! Vicario makes brilliant stop from Poku shot (AZ 1-0 TOT)
- 17' - GOAL! Bergvall slices into his own net (AZ 1-0 TOT)
Alkmaar Zaanstreek 1 - 0 Tottenham Hotspur FC
Ange Postecoglou reacts to defeat
Thursday 6 March 2025 20:19 , Luke BakerAnge Postecoglou wasn’t particularly impressed by his Spurs side as they slipped to defeat in Alkmaar
"We were way too passive" 🤷
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 6, 2025
Ange Postecoglou speaks to @Becky_Ives_ after his side's defeat in Alkmaar.
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WATCH: Vicario produces superb save
Thursday 6 March 2025 19:44 , Luke BakerOne of the main reasons it was only 1-0 at the end was a couple of great saves from Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Here was the pick of the bunc
Vicario to the rescue again for Spurs 🧤
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 6, 2025
Another great save from the Spurs stopper, this time to deny Poku ❌
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FULL-TIME! AZ 1-0 Tottenham
Thursday 6 March 2025 19:42 , Luke BakerAll over in Alkmaar. Really mediocre stuff from Spurs, especially in that first half.
All you can say is that they’re still well in the tie at only 1-0 behind. AZ should have scored more than one and they’ll be disappointed not to be fully in control of this tie.
Lucas Bergvall’s 17th-minute own goal was ultimately the only goal of the game but Tottenham will need to be much, much better in north London next week
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 90+5 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 19:40 , Luke BakerOne last chance for Spurs as Porro puts in a lovely cross from the right touchline, Odobert rises but can’t get over the top of it and his header is well over the bar. That should be that
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 90+4 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 19:39 , Luke BakerVan Duijn yellow carded late on for AZ, Into the final knockings of the game now.
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 90+2 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 19:37 , Luke BakerThis really doesn’t look good for Solanke. He’s only lasted 20-odd minutes of his injury return.
He’s subbed off and Dane Scarlett comes on. Hopefully just a knock for Solanke but he looks in a bit of distress as he hobbles off.
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 90 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 19:36 , Luke BakerA bit of late pressure from Spurs as they keep coming. Odobert’s long-range effort is pushed away before a weaving run by Bentancur, who plays in Porro and his clipped cross is scrambled away.
And again Tottenham look for the equaliser but Johnson’s cross is well claimed by Owusu-Oduro who clatters Solanke in the process. The striker looks in some pain and he’s down receiving treatment - Spurs can’t afford to lose him again...
Into three minutes of added time.
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 88 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 19:32 , Luke BakerAZ given space down the left - Moller Wolfe feeds Smit and Gray is forced to lunge across to block the ball in and concede a corner.
Koopmeiners takes and it’s nodded back into the mixer before Spurs concede another corner. This time it’s dealt with more immediately
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 85 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 19:30 , Luke BakerSolanke catches Maikuma as he tries to flick the ball over the top.
Spurs really haven’t created anything clear cut as they look for this equaliser. It’s been a pretty insipid performance
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 80 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 19:26 , Luke BakerTime for a triple change from AZ now.
Poku, Buurmeester and Parrott jog off with Kristijan Belic, Ibrahim Sadiq and Sem van Duijn coming on.
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 75 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 19:20 , Luke BakerBergvall caught by Clasie and goes down clutching his ribs. It must have been the way he landed because Clasie just put in a normal tackle.
Would Spurs be that unhappy with a 1-0 deficit going back to north London? Probably not, given how they’ve played. Still 15 minutes to go here though
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 71 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 19:17 , Luke BakerPostecoglou has seen enough here. Triple substitution time to try and change this up.
Pedro Porro, Dominic Solanke and Pape Sarr enter the fray as Udogie, Son and Maddison exit.
Solanke in particular being back from injury is big for Spurs
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 67 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 19:11 , Luke BakerSpence surges down the right flank and Koopmeiners twice tries to hold him back from behind, succeeding the second time. Gets a yellow card for his troubles.
AZ sub as Kasius, who came on himself when Lahdo got injured early on is now heading off with a knock. Kees Smit on.
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 64 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 19:08 , Luke BakerPenetra’s long-range shot takes a slight deflection off Gray’s knee, giving AZ a corner.
Once again, they try a short corner routine but it breaks down fairly quickly.
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 62 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 19:08 , Luke BakerBentancur clatters Parrott. He knows exactly what he’s doing and rightly gets booked for it. He protests furiously but dare I say he has absolutely no leg to stand on.
He’ll miss the second leg through suspension now as well, in another blow for Spurs
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 57 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 19:02 , Luke BakerSpurs have returned to clinging on mode here! AZ piling all the pressure on, they win a corner that is only half-cleared before Koopmeiners drives on again and plays the ball back in but it’s scrambled away.
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 53 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 19:01 , Luke BakerAs much as Spurs have started better in this second half, they’re still vulnerable and it takes another superb Vicario save to keep it at 1-0!
AZ work the overload and the ball is played to Poku in the box, whose shot it headed for the bottom corner until Vicario springs low to his right to claw it out with one hand. Superb stop
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 52 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 18:58 , Luke BakerGood run by Son as he drives forward and he unleashes a shot at goal that flies wide.
Again this is better from Postecoglou’s side
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 49 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 18:55 , Luke BakerThis is a good start to the second half by Spurs. Bergvall has a dart forward and fires a shot just a little wide of the goal.
A cross into the box from Udogie then causes consternation for AZ who panic a little before slicing clear.
KICK-OFF! AZ 1-0 Tottenham
Thursday 6 March 2025 18:51 , Luke BakerUnderway in the second half in Alkmaar and there’s a half-time change for Spurs in attack as Wilson Odobert comes on for Tel, who has been invisibly quiet in this game.
HALF-TIME! AZ 1-0 Tottenham
Thursday 6 March 2025 18:35 , Luke BakerSpurs have a corner but they’re penalised for a foul in the box and that’s half-time.
Ange Postecoglou will probably be relieved to get into the break just one goal down. AZ good value for their lead, which came when Lucas Bergvall sliced into his own net after 17 minutes.
Tottenham will need to be much, much better in the second half
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 45+1 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 18:33 , Luke BakerInto two minutes of added time where AZ win a free-kick and cleverly work the ball into the box. Spurs hold firm and clear.
They desperately need half-time.
CLOSE! AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 43 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 18:32 , Luke BakerIt’s frantic, frantic stuff and somehow Spurs survive! An AZ corner is worked across the penalty area where home players are queuing up at the back post.
From there, it’s classic goalmouth scramble stuff. Moller Wolfe and Kasius see shots blocked as bodies fly everywhere before Bergvall brilliantly throws himself in front of Parrott’s goalbound effort and it’s eventually hacked away. Tottenham clinging on here
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 40 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 18:26 , Luke BakerSon gets down the outside for the first time and his ball in comes out to Johnson on the edge of the box.
He tries a curler at goal but it’s too high and flies over the top
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 37 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 18:24 , Luke BakerAZ are good value for their lead so far, you’d have to say.
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 34 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 18:22 , Luke BakerKoopmeiners has a couple of nibbles at Maddison and eventually does foul him a few yards outside of the box, just left of centre.
Prime opportunity with the free-kick here. Maddison lines it up but oh dear, oh dear. They try to be too clever with Maddison attempting to pass to Son rather than just shooting and AZ crowd them out. Poor.
SAVE! AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 32 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 18:19 , Luke BakerA very good, and absolutely vital, save by Vicario.
AZ slice through the middle of Spurs, whose midfield go missing. Parrott is through one on one but Vicario makes himself big and his leg deflects the ball wide. Superb stop.
That would’ve been really trouble for Spurs if they’d gone 2-0 down. The corner comes to nothing
WATCH: Lucas Bergvall slices into his own net
Thursday 6 March 2025 18:17 , Luke BakerHere’s that slightly comical own goal that means Spurs trail in Alkmaar
Lucas Bergvall won't want to see that again 🫣
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 6, 2025
AZ take the lead, as Bergvall miscues his clearance, and can only watch as it loops into the far corner of his own goal...
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AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 28 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 18:16 , Luke BakerJohnson wins Spurs their first corner of the evening, which twice gets delayed for the ref to have words with the players for some pushing and shoving in the box.
When it’s eventually delivered by Maddison to the near post, Bergvall’s contested header goes harmlessly wide for a goal-kick
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 25 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 18:14 , Luke BakerSpurs have responded well to the goal and Spence sees his low cross well claimed by Owusu-Oduro.
But AZ look dangerous in attack and the ball is worked to Parrott on the edge of the area, where his shot is well blocked by Gray. It deflects to Poku but his shot flashes well wide across the goal
AZ 1-0 Tottenham, 20 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 18:08 , Luke BakerAZ had been the better side, so they probably deserved that goal, although it was mildly comical in how it came about.
Spurs go forward in response but Udogie’s cross is blocked and comes back off him for a goal kick
GOAL! AZ 1-0 Tottenham (Lucas Bervall own goal, 17 mins)
Thursday 6 March 2025 18:06 , Luke BakerOh no! It’s absolute disaster for Spurs and Lucas Bergvall in particular.
AZ win a corner, which is whipped into the back post. Parrott knocks in back into the centre where Bergvall swipes at it to try and clear, it loops up off his foot and agonisingly into the corner of the net.
It went over a helpless Vicario and Spence’s desperate lunge to head it off the line couldn’t stop the ball nestling in the net. Spurs trail
Lucas Bergvall won't want to see that again 🫣
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 6, 2025
AZ take the lead, as Bergvall miscues his clearance, and can only watch as it loops into the far corner of his own goal...
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AZ 0-0 Tottenham, 12 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 17:59 , Luke BakerDanso gives the ball away as Kasius nips in and launches an AZ attack.
The ball is worked to the other flank for Poku who dives to the byline and a dangerous cross runs all the way through with no touch on it. The Dutch side look the livelier so far.
AZ 0-0 Tottenham, 9 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 17:56 , Luke BakerNope, Lahdo can’t continue. Gutting for the Sweden under-21 international as he hobbles off, to be replaced by Denso Kasius.
Likely a positional switch with Poku coming out to the left now.
AZ 0-0 Tottenham, 7 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 17:54 , Luke BakerA painful one for Lahdo as his shin catches a full swing of Bergvall’s boot that was meant to be a crossfield pass only for the ball to be nipped away mid follow through.
After some treatment, Lahdo is limping along the sidelines but he’ll try to run it off. He’s not moving hugely freely at the moment though.
AZ 0-0 Tottenham, 5 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 17:51 , Luke BakerSon’s clipped pass runs through to AZ goalkeeper Owusu-Oduro and he launches a counter attack.
Moller Wolfe fizzes a dangerous low cross and Parrott slides in ahead of Vicario but the ball flies wide off his foot. An early warning for Spurs
AZ 0-0 Tottenham, 3 mins
Thursday 6 March 2025 17:49 , Luke BakerIt’s a decent atmosphere in Alkmaar, with the AZ fans in fine voice in the early going.
Spurs’s typically intense press pushes them back but ex-Tottenham striker Troy Parrott chases a ball in the channel, only for Gray and Spence to cover well for the visitors.
KICK-OFF: AZ 0-0 Tottenham
Thursday 6 March 2025 17:47 , Luke BakerUnderway in Alkmaar
AZ v Tottenham
Thursday 6 March 2025 17:44 , Luke BakerThe teams are out and we’re only a couple of minutes from kick-off in Alkmaar
Les Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves discuss Spurs's Europa League chances
Thursday 6 March 2025 17:33 , Luke BakerWill Tottenham end their trophy drought and win the Europa League this season?
TNT Sports pundits Les Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves discuss:
"I think they can easily win it" 👀
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 6, 2025
Les Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves discuss Tottenham's chance of WINNING the Europa League, as the current bookies favourites 🤑
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‘Elite’ Son Heung-min not slowing down – Ange Postecoglou
Thursday 6 March 2025 17:21 , Luke BakerAnge Postecoglou does not believe Tottenham captain Son Heung-min is set to “slow down” any time soon.
Son has double figures for assists this season, alongside 10 goals in all competitions, but had only found the net four times going into December to raise questions about his long-term future.
However, he has been more prolific since and the club triggered a one-year extension in January to keep him contracted until the summer of 2026.
“His ability to beat players, even in tight areas, is elite. His finishing I think is elite,” Postecoglou said.
“You never want to try to predict with players like Sonny how long he will go for because those kind of players I think always defy whatever odds there are because of the way they look after themselves and conduct themselves, the levels.
“Even this year, as difficult as it has been for us, I think his numbers still stack up. You weigh him up against any winger in the league, he’s still going to be top five.”
Ange Postecoglou eyes up ‘great opportunity’ to excel in Europa League
Thursday 6 March 2025 17:02 , Luke BakerAnge Postecoglou believes the Europa League presents Tottenham with a “great opportunity” especially with the return of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke for tonight’s tie at AZ Alkmaar.
Spurs resume their European campaign with a last 16 first leg clash in the Netherlands with huge focus on the competition given the club’s domestic struggles this season.
The long-term absences of Van de Ven and Romero have contributed towards a difficult campaign as Tottenham sit 13th in the Premier League and are out of both domestic cup competitions but Postecoglou will aim to guide his squad a step closer to a first trophy since 2008 in the Europa League.
“Yeah, I think it is fair to say the boys really understand there is a great opportunity for us,” Postecoglou said.
“It’s a competition we obviously want to do well in. We’ve got ourselves in a good position. We’re in the round of 16, we’ve got two tough games against AZ and that’s the first thing to overcome.”
Spurs stars return to the bench
Thursday 6 March 2025 16:43 , Luke BakerThe Spurs bench is also worth looking at, with a number of their key cogs returning from injury.
Central defenders Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven are both on there - will Spurs’s defensive nightmare soon be over?
Dominic Solanke is also fit to make the bench, while the likes of Pedro Porro, Yves Bissouma and Wilson Odobert also offer options for Ange Postecoglou to change things
AZ v Tottenham team news
Thursday 6 March 2025 16:39 , Luke BakerHere’s how the teams will line up today.
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Spence, Gray, Danso, Udogie; Maddison, Bergvall, Sarr; Johnson, Tel, Son
AZ Alkmaar XI: Owusu-Oduro; Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Wolfe; Clasie, Koopmeiners; Poku, Buurmeester, Lahdo; Parrott
Team news imminent
Thursday 6 March 2025 16:28 , Luke BakerWe’re just a couple of minutes away from finding out how the teams will line up this evening.
Which of Spurs’s injured stars will be fit to return in Alkmaar this evening?
Early Spurs team news
Thursday 6 March 2025 16:16 , Luke BakerThis match may come just too soon for Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Dominic Solanke, though all three have returned to training so they could feature. Ben Davies and Richarlison are a few days behind that trio in terms of their recovery.
That said, Spurs’ injury crisis has eased in recent weeks, and the squad have had rest since the defeat to City on 26 February.
James Maddison, Wilson Odobert, Destiny Udogie and Brennan Johnson have all returned in the last few weeks, giving Ange Postecoglou plenty of midfield and attacking options ahead of this match. However, Dejan Kulusevski will be unavailable after picking up a knock.
Predicted Spurs XI: Vicario; Porro, Gray, Danso, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Tel, Son
How to watch AZ v Spurs
Thursday 6 March 2025 16:05 , Luke BakerThe match is due to kick off at 5.45pm GMT at the AFAS Stadium in Alkmaar, Netherlands.
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the game live on TNT Sports 3, with coverage starting at 5pm. Subscribers can also watch online via discovery+.
You can purchase a TNT Sports subscription via discovery+ here, for £30.99 per month.
Everything you need to know about AZ vs Spurs
Thursday 6 March 2025 15:53 , Chris WilsonTottenham Hotspur face AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 tie, with Ange Postecoglou’s side looking to take a decisive advantage back to London.
Spurs have not played since a narrow 1-0 loss to Manchester City on 26 February, but that break has allowed Postecoglou to ease some key players back after long injury spells.
And returning players will help the side push for the only remaining trophy they can win as they look to salvage a disappointing season.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the match:
Is AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch
AZ Alkmaar v Tottenham
Thursday 6 March 2025 15:08 , Luke BakerGood afternoon and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of AZ Alkmaar v Tottenham in the last 16 of the Europa League.
This competition is Spurs, and embattled boss Ange Postecoglou’s, last chance of lifting a trophy this season and they’ll aim to at least retain parity in the Netherlands ahead of the second leg back in north London.
