Tottenham overcame a one-goal deficit to keep their trophy hopes alive with a 3-1 (3-2 aggregate) win over AZ Alkmaar in north London thanks to Wilson Odobert and James Maddison.
Last week, a tepid performance in Alkmaar saw Spurs leave the Netherlands with their tails between their legs, needing a response at home to stay in the competition.
Buoyed by familiar support, Odobert netted his first Spurs goal to give his side the lead on the night and level the aggregate score.
Spurs’ confidence grew with Heung-Min Son going close on a couple of occasions before the break, but their ascendancy also served to spark AZ, who were nearly handed a goal by Cristian Romero after a sloppy episode gifted Zico Burmeester an opportunity.
AZ smelt blood but despite an energetic start to the second period, Spurs quickly found themselves two goals to the good, when Maddison curled home from inside the box, set up by Son.
Peer Koopmeiners pounced on a Spurs mistake to give his side a lifeline but a fine team goal, finished off by Odobert, ensured victory for Ange Postecoglou’s side as the Australian manager looks to maintain his promise of silverware in his second season.
Spurs now look forward to a quarter-final against Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt who beat Ajax 6-2 across two legs.
A blend of youth and experience wins it for Spurs
Wilson Odobert scored twice to help Spurs over the line
For the first time since October, Ange Postecoglou could start his ‘leadership group’. The quartet of Cristian Romero, James Maddison, Guglielmo Vicario and Heung-Min Son all started as part of a strong Spurs line-up. It was with these four that Spurs would catalyse their comeback.
Son was involved in the first when his high press on Goes forced an error at the back as a front foot Spurs took the lead. Maddison, scorer of the second, would also drive his team up the pitch for the third, beginning an impressive team goal finished off by Odobert for his brace.
Odobert, the 20-year-old summer signing from Burnley, opened his Spurs account on a night where Lucas Bergvall, 18, put right the wrongs of his first-leg own-goal with a controlled presence deep in midfield, was withdrawn late in the second half to a standing ovation, with those present appreciative of his industry and effort to give Spurs’ season a lifeline.
Postecoglou had what he would feel is very close to his strongest side and it paid off. The mix of youth and experience has given Spurs fans something, at the very least, to look forward to.
More to follow…
