Tue Mar 11 00:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Spurs Suffer Shock Europa League Defeat to AZ Alkmaar
**London, England** – Tottenham Hotspur suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday. A controversial own goal by Lucas Bergvall in the 18th minute, following a shot from former Spurs player Troy Parrott, proved to be the difference in a match where Tottenham struggled to create chances.
Manager Ange Postecoglou admitted his side’s performance was far from impressive, stating it wasn’t a “great” showing. The North London club failed to register a single shot on target in the first half and despite improved efforts in the second, they couldn’t find an equalizer. Bergvall had a chance to redeem himself with a long-range effort that narrowly missed the target, but it was ultimately to no avail.
The result leaves Tottenham with a mountain to climb in the second leg at home next Thursday. This is a particularly bitter pill to swallow, considering their 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar in the group stage earlier this season. The tie remains very much alive, but Spurs will need a significant improvement to progress to the next round of the competition.
First Piper 