Odobert Shines as Tottenham Defeat AZ to Stay in Europa League | OneFootball

Tottenham Survive Scare to Secure Europa League Quarter-Final Spot

Wilson Odobert delivered when it mattered most, scoring twice as Tottenham overturned a first-leg deficit to edge past AZ Alkmaar and book their place in the Europa League quarter-finals.

For Spurs, this competition remains the only tangible route to success in an otherwise underwhelming campaign. Sitting 13th in the Premier League and out of both domestic cups, they needed a statement performance—and, after a laboured first leg in the Netherlands, they finally produced one.

Odobert Sparks Tottenham into Life

From the outset, there was a sense of urgency absent in the first meeting. Odobert, making just his seventh appearance since a £25m move from Burnley, struck early. Dominic Solanke, sharp and purposeful, picked him out in space, and the 19-year-old lashed an effort into the top corner—his first goal for the club arriving at a crucial time.

The belief coursed through Ange Postecoglou’s side. James Maddison, always at the heart of Spurs’ creativity, exchanged passes with Son Heung-min inside the box before curling home a beautiful effort early in the second half. Suddenly, Tottenham were in control.

But, as is often the case, they made things harder than necessary. A defensive lapse saw AZ gifted an equaliser on aggregate, as a mix-up between Odobert and Lucas Bergvall allowed Peer Koopmeiners to pounce. For a moment, it felt like the old, brittle Spurs had returned.

Redemption for Odobert in a Game of High Stakes

If his error had threatened to unravel Tottenham’s night, Odobert was determined to put it right. And he did so in style. A slick team move, starting deep in Spurs’ own half, ended with Djed Spence’s cross flicked on by Solanke, and Odobert arrived at the back post to finish from close range.

It was a goal that embodied Postecoglou’s attacking vision—quick, incisive, and devastating when executed correctly.

Still, nothing is straightforward with this team. Troy Parrott, once a hopeful at Spurs, nearly came back to haunt them. His shot was parried by Guglielmo Vicario, and Mees de Wit’s follow-up required a dramatic clearance from Yves Bissouma to preserve Tottenham’s lead. Moments later, Mexx Meerdink headed over from close range, opting not to leave it for Parrott, who might have been better positioned.

Spurs Face Frankfurt in the Last Eight

The relief was palpable at full-time. Tottenham are still alive in Europe, and with a tie against Eintracht Frankfurt—who saw off Ajax 6-2 on aggregate—looming, they have a real opportunity to push further in the competition.

There were further positives, too. First-choice centre-backs Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven were reunited for the first time since December, a much-needed boost given Spurs’ defensive fragility in recent months.

For Postecoglou, this victory provides some breathing space. His side will need to tighten up, but on nights like this, Tottenham show that, for all their flaws, they are capable of playing thrilling, attacking football. Whether that will be enough to claim silverware remains to be seen.