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.
More to follow…
