Spurs could be without duo after AZ tie as UEFA disciplinary action looms
Tottenham Hotspur face a daunting task as they aim to overturn a 1-0 deficit in their UEFA Europa League last-16 tie against AZ Alkmaar. The first leg in the Netherlands last Thursday ended in disappointment for Ange Postecoglou’s side, with a freak own goal from Lucas Bergvall handing the Dutch side a narrow victory.
Despite their struggles to create meaningful chances during the match, Spurs can consider themselves fortunate not to be further behind, as AZ squandered several golden opportunities to extend their lead.
The North London club now must replicate their earlier group-stage victory over AZ at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to secure a place in the quarter-finals.
The absence of Rodrigo Bentancur will complicate matters for Tottenham. The midfielder received his third yellow card of the Europa League campaign in the first leg, triggering a one-match suspension.
Bentancur’s absence leaves a significant void in the midfield, forcing Postecoglou to reshuffle his lineup for the crucial second leg. Compounding the issue, two other Spurs players—Yves Bissouma and Lucas Bergvall—are just one booking away from a suspension, adding an extra layer of pressure as they navigate the disciplinary tightrope.
UEFA’s regulations on yellow cards further heighten the stakes for Tottenham. According to Article 63.02 of the UEFA Europa League rules, players are suspended for one match after accumulating three yellow cards, with subsequent bans for every odd-numbered caution thereafter.
Yellow cards carry over from the league phase and are only wiped clean after the quarter-finals, as outlined in Article 63.04. This means that any bookings received in the second leg against AZ could have repercussions in the next round, should Spurs progress.
Bissouma and Bergvall, both on two yellow cards, will need to tread carefully to avoid missing a potential quarter-final tie. Dejan Kulusevski is also on two bookings but is unlikely to feature against AZ due to a foot injury.
The Swedish winger is expected to return after the international break, but he too will need to exercise caution in the quarter-finals to avoid suspension.
Tottenham’s disciplinary concerns underscore the importance of maintaining composure in what promises to be a high-stakes encounter. Postecoglou’s side must strike a delicate balance between aggression and discipline, ensuring they do not jeopardize their chances of advancing further in the competition.
The return leg at home offers a chance for redemption, but Spurs will need to be at their best to overcome a resilient AZ side.
The Europa League represents a crucial opportunity for Tottenham to salvage what has been a challenging season. Progressing to the quarter-finals would not only boost morale but also keep alive their hopes of securing silverware and a spot in next season’s Champions League.
However, achieving this will require a significant improvement from the first leg, where Spurs failed to register a single shot on target.
As the pressure mounts, Postecoglou will be looking to his key players to step up and deliver. The likes of Son Heung-min, James Maddison, and Cristian Romero will need to lead by example, while the supporting cast must rise to the occasion.
The absence of Bentancur and the looming threat of suspensions for Bissouma and Bergvall add further complexity to the task at hand, but Tottenham have the quality and depth to overcome these challenges.
For Spurs fans, the second leg represents a chance to witness their team fight back and keep their European dreams alive. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will undoubtedly play a crucial role, as the home crowd rallies behind their team in pursuit of a memorable comeback.
With everything still to play for, Tottenham must seize the moment and prove they have what it takes to progress in the Europa League. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, and Spurs will be determined to rise to the occasion.