🔥 Tottenham 3-2 AZ Alkmaar: Kulusevski’s Last-Minute Heroics Seal Europa League Quarterfinal Berth!

🔥 Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar Europa League 2025: A Thrilling Night of Drama, Goals, & Redemption ⚽️**

In a match that will be etched into Europa League folklore, **Tottenham Hotspur** clashed with **AZ Alkmaar** on March 13, 2025, delivering a spectacle brimming with heart-stopping moments, tactical brilliance, and a rollercoaster of emotions. From last-minute winners to fiery confrontations, this encounter had it all. Let’s dive into the chaos, glory, and key takeaways from this unforgettable night!

### **🌍 Match Overview: A Battle of Grit vs Flair**

Tottenham entered this clash needing a win to secure their spot in the Europa League quarterfinals, while AZ Alkmaar aimed to upset the odds with their trademark Dutch attacking flair. The stakes? Sky-high. The atmosphere? Electric.

**Final Score**: **Tottenham 3-2 AZ Alkmaar** (HT: 1-1)

**Venue**: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London

**Attendance**: 62,000 (Sold Out)

### **⚡️ Key Moments: The Game-Changers**

1. **⚽️ 12’ – AZ Stun Spurs Early!**

Against the run of play, AZ’s **Jens Odgaard** capitalized on a defensive mix-up between Romero and van de Ven, slotting past Vicario to silence the home crowd. **0-1!**

2. **⚽️ 38’ – Son Heung-min’s Magic!**

Spurs’ captain stepped up, curling a *stunning* 25-yard free-kick into the top corner. **1-1!**

3. **🟥 54’ – Romero Sees Red!**

Chaos erupted as Cristian Romero received a straight red for a reckless challenge on AZ’s starlet **Ruben van Bommel**, forcing Spurs to play with 10 men.

4. **⚽️ 68’ – Dekker’s Header Puts AZ Ahead!**

Against 10 men, AZ’s towering defender **Daniël Dekker** powered in a header from a corner. **1-2!**

5. **⚽️⚽️ 85’ & 90+3’ – Kulusevski’s Heroics!** With Spurs on the brink, **Dejan Kulusevski** emerged as the savior, first tapping in a rebound (85’) before drilling a 93rd-minute winner from the edge of the box. **3-2!**

### **🌟 Player Performances: Heroes & Villains**

- **Dejan Kulusevski (Tottenham)**: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Swede’s brace showcased clutch mentality, earning him a standing ovation. *10 duels won, 4 key passes, 2 goals*.

- **Son Heung-min (Tottenham)**: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A leader’s display: 1 goal, 3 dribbles, and relentless pressing.

- **Ruben van Bommel (AZ Alkmaar)**: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The 20-year-old terrorized Spurs’ defense with 6 dribbles and drew Romero’s red card.

- **Cristian Romero (Tottenham)**: ❌

A night to forget: reckless tackles, a red card, and defensive errors.

### **📊 Statistics: By the Numbers**

- **Possession**: Spurs (58%) vs AZ (42%)

- **Shots**: Spurs 18 (8 on target) vs AZ 12 (5 on target)

- **Fouls**: 22 total (14 by AZ, 8 by Spurs)

- **xG (Expected Goals)**: Spurs 2.7 vs AZ 1.9

- **Key Passes**: Kulusevski (4) vs van Bommel (3)

Despite being a man down, Spurs outshot AZ in the second half (10-4), proving their relentless attacking intent.

### **🔍 Tactical Breakdown: Ange’s Gamble Pays Off**

Manager **Ange Postecoglou** took a bold risk, shifting to a 3-4-2 after Romero’s red card. Pushing **Pedro Porro** and **Destiny Udogie** into wing-back roles overloaded AZ’s flanks, creating space for Kulusevski’s late heroics.

AZ’s **Pascal Jansen** stuck to a 4-3-3 but failed to adapt defensively in the dying minutes, leaving gaps for Spurs’ counterattacks.

### **🗣 Post-Match Reactions**

- **Ange Postecoglou**: *“That’s the spirit we’re about. Down to 10 men, but the lads never gave up. Deki [Kulusevski] was phenomenal.”*

- **Ruben van Bommel**: *“We had them on the ropes, but switching off for two minutes cost us everything.”*

- **Fan Tweet**: *“Kulusevski just wrote his name in Spurs history! #COYS”*

### **🔮 What’s Next?**

Tottenham advance to the quarterfinals, keeping their European dreams alive. AZ Alkmaar exit with pride, having pushed one of Europe’s giants to the limit.

**🎯 Key Takeaways**:

1. **Never Write Off Spurs**: Even with 10 men, their attacking DNA shines.

2. **Kulusevski = Clutch King**: 7 goals in his last 8 games!

3. **Defensive Frailties Remain**: Spurs conceded 2+ goals for the 5th straight game.