Bergvall own goal condemns Spurs to defeat at AZ
Az Alkmaar vs Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur suffered a disappointing 1-0 defeat at AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday, a result that leaves them with significant work to do if they hope to progress further in the competition. The match, played in the atmospheric AFAS Stadion, saw Spurs struggle to impose themselves against a determined and well-organized Dutch side, who capitalized on an early defensive error to secure the advantage. For Tottenham, this loss marks a setback in their European campaign, especially considering their earlier victory over the same opponents in the league phase, a 1-0 win at home in October. That previous encounter had given fans reason for optimism, but this latest performance highlighted vulnerabilities in the squad that manager Ange Postecoglou will need to address before the return leg. The evening was a frustrating one for the traveling supporters, who watched their team fail to muster a meaningful response after conceding, leaving the tie delicately poised as they head back to London with a deficit to overturn.
The decisive moment of the game arrived in the 18th minute, when Spurs midfielder Lucas Bergvall inadvertently turned the ball into his own net from a corner, handing AZ Alkmaar the lead in a manner that epitomized Tottenham’s sloppy defending on the night. The goal stemmed from a set-piece situation that Spurs failed to handle adequately, with the ball whipping dangerously across the penalty area before Bergvall, under pressure and seemingly caught off guard, could only divert it past his own goalkeeper, Fraser Forster. It was a cruel blow for the young Swede, who has been regarded as a promising talent since joining the club, and it set the tone for a first half in which Tottenham were unable to find any rhythm or cohesion. The visitors’ attacking play was lackluster, with no shots on target recorded in the opening 45 minutes—a statistic that speaks volumes about their inability to penetrate Alkmaar’s resolute defense. Former Spurs striker Troy Parrott, now plying his trade with AZ, played an indirect role in the goal, as his initial attempt across the face of goal caused the chaos that led to Bergvall’s misfortune. Parrott’s presence added a layer of irony to the proceedings, as the player who once represented Tottenham contributed to their downfall, albeit unintentionally, in this crucial European fixture.
The first half unfolded as a tale of missed opportunities and defensive lapses for Tottenham, who seemed to lack the urgency and precision required to break down their opponents. AZ Alkmaar, buoyed by their early lead, grew in confidence as the game progressed, pressing high and exploiting gaps in Spurs’ midfield with relative ease. Tottenham’s attacking trio, whoever Postecoglou opted to deploy, appeared disconnected, unable to link up effectively or create openings in the final third. The absence of a shot on target was not just a statistical anomaly but a reflection of deeper issues within the team’s setup—whether it was a lack of creativity, poor decision-making, or simply being outworked by a hungrier Alkmaar side. For fans watching from the stands or back home, the performance would have felt eerily reminiscent of some of Spurs’ less inspiring outings in recent years, where promise and potential were undermined by a failure to execute the basics. Bergvall’s own goal, while an individual error, was symptomatic of a collective malaise that gripped the team throughout the opening period, leaving them chasing the game against a side that had already beaten them to the punch.
After the break, there were signs of life from Tottenham as they sought to claw their way back into the contest, with Lucas Bergvall, perhaps motivated by a desire to atone for his earlier mistake, emerging as one of the few players willing to take responsibility. The young midfielder, determined to make amends, unleashed a long-range effort that sailed just wide of the AZ goal, a moment that briefly lifted the spirits of the Spurs faithful and hinted at a potential comeback. However, that strike proved to be the closest Tottenham would come to an equalizer, as their attacking impetus fizzled out almost as quickly as it had appeared. The shot, while ambitious and well-struck, underscored the team’s broader struggles: despite moments of individual intent, they lacked the sustained pressure or clinical edge needed to break down Alkmaar’s backline. Postecoglou, pacing the touchline, would have been frustrated by his side’s inability to convert possession into genuine chances, with too many moves breaking down in the final third due to misplaced passes or poor choices. Bergvall’s effort, though commendable, was an isolated spark in an otherwise dim performance, and as the minutes ticked by, it became increasingly clear that Spurs would leave the Netherlands empty-handed, their hopes of a draw or better slipping away with each passing phase of play.
Looking ahead, Tottenham will now turn their attention to the second leg, scheduled for the following Thursday at their home ground, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, where they will need to overturn this 1-0 deficit to keep their Europa League dreams alive. The task, while not insurmountable, will require a marked improvement in both defensive solidity and attacking potency if they are to progress to the quarter-finals. The earlier 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar in the league phase offers a glimmer of hope, serving as a reminder that Spurs are capable of getting the better of this opponent on their day. That October win, secured on home soil, demonstrated the kind of resilience and tactical discipline that was conspicuously absent in this latest outing, and Postecoglou will no doubt be drilling into his players the importance of replicating that performance. The manager’s post-match comments will likely focus on the need for a reaction, with the Australian known for his demanding standards and unwillingness to accept subpar displays. For the players, the second leg represents an opportunity to redeem themselves in front of their own supporters, who will expect a response after this lackluster showing in the Netherlands.
The broader context of this defeat adds further weight to the upcoming return fixture, as Tottenham’s season continues to unfold across multiple fronts, with ambitions in both domestic and European competitions. The Europa League has been a priority for Spurs this term, offering a realistic chance of silverware and a route back into the Champions League, and dropping out at this stage would be a bitter pill to swallow for a club with lofty aspirations. AZ Alkmaar, while a respectable outfit with a strong home record, are not among Europe’s elite, making this loss all the more galling for a Tottenham side that boasts greater resources and pedigree. The tie remains finely balanced, with just a single goal separating the teams, but Spurs will need to rediscover their cutting edge and shore up their vulnerabilities if they are to turn the tables. The fans, too, will play a crucial role, with the raucous atmosphere of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium potentially providing the lift the team needs to overcome their Dutch adversaries. As the squad regroups and prepares for the next encounter, the focus will be on learning from this defeat, harnessing the positives—few though they were—and delivering a performance worthy of their European ambitions when AZ Alkmaar visit London in a week’s time.
