Tottenham already know who they could face in Europa League semi-finals
Tottenham Hotspur’s path to the Europa League final has become significantly clearer following the confirmation of the quarterfinal lineup after Thursday’s thrilling results.
The North London club faced a must-win situation against AZ Alkmaar, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, and the tension was palpable at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as the match kicked off.
However, Spurs rose to the occasion with a composed and professional performance, securing a 3-1 victory on the night and a 3-2 aggregate win to advance to the quarterfinals. Wilson Odobert was the star of the show, netting a brace, while James Maddison added a crucial third goal to seal the deal.
Even before their clash with Alkmaar, Tottenham knew their next opponent, as Eintracht Frankfurt had already booked their place in the final eight by defeating Ajax earlier in the evening.
The Bundesliga side will present a formidable challenge for Spurs, especially with the second leg set to take place in Germany. Despite the difficulty of the task, Ange Postecoglou’s squad will approach the tie with confidence, knowing they have the quality and resilience to progress further in the competition.
Should Tottenham overcome Frankfurt, their potential route to the final in Bilbao has also been mapped out. A place in the semifinals would see them face the winner of the quarterfinal clash between Lazio and Bodo/Glimt.
Lazio, who edged past FC Viktoria Plzen 3-2 on aggregate in the round of 16, are a seasoned European side currently sitting fifth in Serie A, just one point behind Juventus. Bodo/Glimt, on the other hand, have been a surprise package in the competition, knocking out Olympiakos to reach this stage.
While the Norwegian side may lack the pedigree of Lazio, they have proven to be a dangerous opponent capable of causing upsets.
Tottenham’s journey to the final is undeniably challenging, with both Frankfurt and Lazio boasting strong squads and impressive domestic form.
Frankfurt, currently fourth in the Bundesliga, and Lazio, competing in the upper echelons of Serie A, are both teams with Champions League-level quality. To reach the final, Spurs will need to navigate past these two high-caliber opponents, a task that will require their best performances of the season.
If Tottenham can overcome these hurdles, they would likely face either Athletic Club Bilbao or Manchester United in the final. Bilbao, as the host team, will have the advantage of playing in front of their passionate home crowd, while Manchester United, one of the tournament favorites, have the experience and firepower to pose a significant threat.
Both potential final opponents would present a stern test for Spurs, but at this stage of the competition, no tie is straightforward.
Despite the daunting nature of their path, Tottenham will believe in their ability to go all the way. Postecoglou has instilled a resilient and attacking style of play in his squad, and the team has shown they can rise to the occasion in high-pressure situations.
The likes of Odobert, Maddison, and other key players will need to be at their best, but the collective spirit and determination within the squad could prove decisive.
For Spurs, the Europa League represents a golden opportunity to end the season with silverware and secure a place in next season’s Champions League. While the challenges ahead are significant, the club’s recent performances have demonstrated their capability to compete with Europe’s best.
As the quarterfinals approach, Tottenham will focus on taking one game at a time, starting with the crucial clash against Frankfurt. With belief, determination, and a bit of luck, Spurs could find themselves lifting the trophy in Bilbao, marking a triumphant end to what has been a rollercoaster season.