A comical first-half own-goal from Lucas Bergvall consigned a lacklustre Tottenham 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.
Full-time in the first leg. pic.twitter.com/TlQLmfgPJ2
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 6, 2025
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.
Postecoglou resisted the temptation to start fit-again trio Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke and the injury curse actually struck the hosts as Mayckel Lahdo was forced off after eight minutes at AFAS Stadion.
It contributed to a disjointed start, but AZ, with the first legitimate chance of the match, took the lead in bizarre fashion in the 18th minute.
Peer Koopmeiners’ corner picked out ex-Spurs forward Parrott, who had a side-footed shot which Bergvall completely miscued and watched in horror as his attempted clearance looped over Djed Spence and into the net.
Lucas Bergvall won''t want to see that again 🫣
AZ take the lead, as Bergvall miscues his clearance, and can only watch as it loops into the far corner of his own goal…
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/qmjPv2RRoT
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 6, 2025
It was an embarrassing own goal and, while Tottenham briefly responded, Parrott was involved again soon after as Archie Gray blocked his effort before Ernest Poku sent the follow-up well wide.
An even better opportunity was created after 31 minutes when AZ broke after a Son Heung-min chance and Parrott was played through, but Guglielmo Vicario raced out to brilliantly deny the Republic of Ireland forward.
A poorly-worked short free-kick by Son summed up Spurs’ half before the visitors survived a goalmouth scramble as James Maddison slid in to deny David Moller Wolfe and Bergvall blocked from Koopmeiners.
It remained 1-0 at half-time, but Postecoglou reacted by bringing on Wilson Odobert for Mathys Tel and Tottenham’s urgency improved, with Bergvall firing wide before Son blazed over.
AZ remained a threat and Poku forced Vicario into another save after a dangerous cross by Moller Wolfe.
Rodrigo Bentancur was booked soon after for a late challenge on the excellent Parrott, which rules the Spurs midfielder out of next week’s second leg.
Chances remained at a premium for Tottenham and Postecoglou made a triple substitution with 18 minutes left, with Pedro Porro, Pape Sarr and Solanke sent on.
It failed to spark a late rally and, although Odobert tested Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro for the first time in the 88th minute, Spurs were dealt a fresh blow late on when Solanke limped off after he was caught by AZ’s goalkeeper.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Maresca - Jack You can't elbow players.Nicolas Jackson - Ok boss LOL Haaland the last time Arsenal won the league.. South America owns football he is here …. How good is Cruzeiro? GOAT RECOGNIZES GOAT! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Just toon it, trollfootball, The Football Arena, AZR Organization)...
Emi Martinez 'dreaming' of a move to Man UtdAston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United this summer amid the Red Devils' uncertainty regarding Andre Onana's future.The Sun has reported that a move to Old Trafford is Martinez's 'dream' and Ruben Amorim is keen on “captains and leaders” in his squad, and is an admirer of the Argentine World ...
GARETH BALE wants to buy hometown club Cardiff.The Wales legend is leading a consortium to take over the League One side.Cardiff is the subject of takeover interest from local lad Gareth BaleBale's group sent a letter of intent to Bluebirds owner Vincent Tan last month, which was rejected.But it is believed the desire to acquire the club, relegated from the Championship, remains strong.The 35-year...
Since Mikel Arteta took the reins at Arsenal, there's been a pattern in his transfer strategy. Initially, France was the go-to source, with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba being prime examples, but the focus has since shifted. The Gunners have made successful forays into the Brazilian market, enjoyed a high success rate with Spanish recruits, and recently turned their attention to Italy. Howe...
Liverpool have broken their transfer record for the signing of Germany international Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, the club announced on Friday.ESPN previously reported the deal to be worth a total of £116 million ($156.27 million) -- it includes an initial £100 million payment with £16 million in add-ons.Wirtz has signed a five-year deal with the Premier League champions, a ...
Al-Ittihad rival Monaco for Pogba signatureAS Monaco face competition for Paul Pogba's signature.The free agent is in talks with Monaco about a playing return, having been suspended since last year due to a failed doping test.Released by Juventus earlier this year, Pogba is now free to resume his playing career and talks with Monaco are underway.However, Fichajes.com says Al-Ittihad, from the Saud...
Man Utd plan to loan Rashford to Inter Milan ahead of next season in shock moveManchester United plan to loan out winger Marcus Rashford this summer as the club continues to look for a buyer.As reported by the Manchester Evening Standard, United are preparing for the prospect of loaning out Rashford for the entirety of next season after the winger fell out with manager Ruben Amorim last season. Th...
Napoli coach Conte: I really didn't think we'd sign McTominayNapoli coach Antonio Conte admits he didn't think Scott McTominay could be signed from Manchester United.McTominay joined Napoli in the final days of the summer market and ended the season a Serie A winner and also named Player of the Year in Italy.Conte told Sky Italia: "I knew McTominay very well , he grew up in the Premier League with...
Thibaut Courtois has been a key player for Real Madrid since he joined the club from Chelsea in 2018Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said he will always be available to help new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen acclimatise to life at the Bernabeu.England defender Alexander-Arnold recently joined the club for 38m from0Liverpool while Spanish international Huijsen signed from ...
Barcelona superkid Yamal: We will definitely win the Champions LeagueBarcelona superkid Lamine Yamal is confident he will eventually win the Champions League.At 17, Yamal has won every trophy available in the domestic game - with a European title, at club level, still to be won.He told Barca Inside: "At 18 I ask for everything I had at 16 and 17, plus the title I am missing (the Champions League) ...
- 1 DONE DEAL: Marseille confirm CJ Egan-Riley signing from Burnley
- 2 Chloe Kelly enjoys sun-kissed holiday as Arsenal star rests before Euro 2025
- 3 Jack Grealish set to leave Man City this summer
- 4 Man Utd have Hugo Ekitike 'advantage'
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 Stunning Euro U21 reporter dubbed 'queen of Europe' in bold dress
- 7 Man Utd make decision on replacing Andre Onana with Emi Martinez this summer
- 8 DONE DEAL: Celta Vigo sign permanently Ilaix from RB Leipzig
- 9 Real Madrid eye a trio of targets
- 10 Maddison and Wag announce they're expecting twins AGAIN