AZ Alkmaar 1-0 Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings: Spurs falter in Europa League RO16 first-leg against Alkmaar

AZ Alkmaar secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie, capitalizing on a defensive error from the visitors. A Lucas Bergvall own goal in the 18th minute gifted the Eredivisie side the lead, and despite Tottenham’s late push, AZ held on to claim a well-deserved win at the AFAS Stadion.

Tottenham controlled possession early, holding 76% of the ball in the opening stages, but their lack of attacking threat was evident. Troy Parrott, facing his former club, had the first major opportunity in the 31st minute but was denied by Guglielmo Vicario in a one-on-one situation.

AZ made their dominance count in the 18th minute when Moller Wolfe’s run down the left earned the hosts a corner. Peer Koopmeiners’ delivery caused chaos, with Parrott scuffing the ball back into the six-yard box, where Bergvall inadvertently turned it into his net.

Spurs’ attack was toothlessly marshaled by Son in the first half, failing to register a single shot on target for the first time in nine Europa League matches this season.

Manager Ange Postecoglou reacted at half-time, introducing Wilson Odobert for an ineffective Mathys Tel, but Spurs continued to struggle. AZ came close to doubling their lead in the 53rd minute when Ernest Poku’s low drive forced a sharp stop from Vicario.

Despite making multiple attacking substitutions—Pedro Porro, Pape Sarr, and Dominic Solanke entering the fray—Tottenham failed to create clear-cut chances. In the 76th minute, Spurs had only managed eight final-third entries since half-time, a significant drop from their first-half numbers.

Their first shot on target finally came in the 87th minute, when Odobert tested AZ keeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Odurofrom a tight angle. However, the home side remained defensively resolute, securing their first-ever win over Tottenham.

Here are AZ Alkmaar vs Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings.

AZ Alkmaar Player Ratings

GK- Rome Owusu-Oduro – 7/10

He was solid in goal and made important stops when Spurs attempted to break through, though he was largely untroubled.

RB- Seiya Maikuma – 7/10

Defended well and was a lively presence on the right flank, supporting attacks when AZ pushed forward and keeping Spurs attacking players checked.

CB- Alexandre Penetra – 7/10

Won important duels and was effective in aerial battles. Also attempted a shot in the second half that went wide taking a deflection.

CB- Wouter Goes – 7/10

Goes marshaled the backline well, stayed composed, and played a key role in keeping Spurs’ attack at bay.

LB- David Wolfe – 7/10

Played his part in AZ’s opener by earning the corner and was involved in buildup play and overlapping runs.

CM- Jordy Clasie – 7.5/10

Pulled the strings in midfield, dictating the tempo and linking well with Koopmeiners.

CM- Peer Koopmeiners – 7.7/10

A physical presence in midfield, disciplined and effective in breaking up play; also delivered the corner leading to the own goal. Picked up a late yellow card.

CM- Zico Buurmeester – 6.5/10

A steady but unspectacular presence played a supporting role in midfield and was substituted late in the game.

RW- Ernest Poku – 7/10

Showed glimpses of danger but was wasteful with chances, sending multiple shots off-target. Booked for an obstruction foul.

ST- Troy Parrott – 7/10

AZ’s most dangerous attacker created multiple chances and forced a fine save from Vicario. His effort also led to his own goal.

LW- Mayckel Lahdo – N/A

Not much impact by the player for AZ and had to be subbed off due to an injury after just 9 minutes on the pitch.

SUB- Denso Kasius – 7/10

Came on early but later substituted and did his job before being subbed off.

SUB- Kees Smit– 6/10

Provided fresh legs but didn’t have a major impact.

SUB- Kristijan Belic– NA

SUB- Sem van Duijn – NA

SUB- Ibrahim Sadiq– N/A

Didn’t have enough time to make an impact.

Manager- Maarten Martens – 6.5/10

His team executed their game plan well, staying disciplined at the back while exploiting Spurs’ defensive errors. AZ defended deep and transitioned quickly, unsettling Tottenham. They were more effective despite having less possession. They take a crucial lead to London into the second leg of this tie.

Tottenham Hotspur Player Ratings

GK- Guglielmo Vicario – 7.6/10

Made a crucial save to deny Parrott one-on-one and reacted well to AZ’s pressure. Could do nothing about their own goal.

RB- Djed Spence – 7.6/10

Involved in some good attacking play but struggled defensively, especially against AZ’s wide players, was switched to the left flank upon Pedro Porro’s arrival.

CB- Archie Gray– 7.4/10

A tough outing for the young defender, particularly in dealing with Parrott’s movement.

CB- Kevin Danso – 8.2/10

The Defender showed strength in duels but was caught out on occasion. Had a brief altercation with Parrott but despite that had a really solid game and kept his team in this tie and won the man of the match.

LB- Destiny Udogie– 7.5/10

Struggled defensively, subbed off in the second half.

CM- Lucas Bergvall – 6/10

A forgettable night. He scored an own goal and failed to make an impact going forward.

CM- Rodrigo Bentancur- 7.2/10

He did his job as a ball-winning midfielder, winning the possession back and recycling the ball, Booked for a late challenge and will miss the second leg. Frustrated performance.

CAM- James Maddison – 6.5/10

Was off the pace and struggled to break AZ’s defensive shape, and was subbed off after failing to create any chances.

LW- Brennan Johnson – 6.5/10

The young looked lively at times but lacked the final ball or finishing touch.

ST- Mathys Tel – 6.2/10

The striker was anonymous in the first half before being subbed off at halftime.

RW- Heung-Min Son- 6.1/10

The captain was completely ineffective, failed to influence the game and was withdrawn in the second half.

SUB- Wilson Odobert– 6/10

Came on at halftime but didn’t change the game, had a late effort saved by Oduro which was also Spurs’ only effort on target.

SUB- Pedro Porro – 6.5/10

More active than Udogie but couldn’t find a game-changing moment. Showed a positive spark going forward and put in a dangerous cross in the box right towards the end of the game.

SUB- Dominic Solanke – 6/10

Brought on for a late push but had little service and didn’t help the team much. Was later substituted due to an injury.

SUB- Pape Sarr– 5/10

Freshened up midfield but didn’t impose himself on the game.

SUB- Dane Scarlett – NA

Manager- Ange Postecoglou – 6/10

Spurs lacked attacking fluidity and were toothless in the first half. Made changes, but they failed to turn the game around. The team’s poor record in European away ties continues. They looked uninspired, struggling to create meaningful attacks, with Son and Maddison especially poor. The own goal by Bergvall summed up their night, as AZ now takes a crucial lead into the second leg.

The Sportsdunia player of the match goes to Kevin Danso.