Tottenham Hotspur hosted AZ Alkmaar at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 13 March 2025 in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie. After a 1-0 defeat in the first leg in Alkmaar, Spurs needed to overturn the deficit to advance. The confirmed starting XIs for both sides were released about an hour before the 8:00 pm GMT kick-off, offering a clear picture of each manager’s tactical approach.
According to official match reports from UEFA and Sky Sports, both teams fielded strong lineups. Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou made several changes from the first leg, reflecting both injuries and the need for more attacking impetus. AZ Alkmaar, under Maarten Martens, largely kept faith with the side that secured the narrow first-leg advantage.
What are the confirmed starting XIs for Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar?
- Tottenham lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, as confirmed by Fotmob.
- Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero both started in defence despite recent fitness concerns.
- Lucas Bergvall was chosen to fill the No. 6 role because of Rodrigo Bentancur’s suspension.
- James Maddison returned to the starting eleven after being rotated in previous matches.
- Wilson Odobert was selected on the left wing ahead of Brennan Johnson and Mathys Tel.
- AZ Alkmaar fielded a 4-4-2 formation, likely aiming to protect their first-leg lead.
- First-leg hero Troy Parrott started up front for AZ Alkmaar, supported by Mayckel Lahdo and Ruben Poku.
| Team | Goalkeeper | Defenders | Midfielders | Forwards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3) | Vicario | Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence | Bergvall, Sarr, Maddison | Odobert, Solanke, Son |
| AZ Alkmaar (4-4-2) | Owusu-Oduro | Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Moller Wolfe | Koopmeiners, Clasie, Buurmeester, Poku | Parrott, Lahdo |
The Tottenham official site confirmed the same XI that had been widely reported in the pre-match press. AZ Alkmaar’s lineup was also published on the UEFA match page for the second leg.
Who is on the substitutes bench for Spurs and AZ Alkmaar?
Tottenham named ten substitutes: Austin, Whiteman, Udogie, Davies, Gray, Bissouma, Moore, Johnson, Tel, and Scarlett. AZ Alkmaar’s bench included Verhulst and several other players listed on the official UEFA lineups page.
What formation are Tottenham and AZ Alkmaar playing?
Tottenham used a 4-3-3 shape, with Bergvall sitting deeper alongside Sarr and Maddison. AZ Alkmaar set up in a compact 4-4-2, designed to crowd the midfield and hit on the counter.
What are the predicted lineups for Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar?
Pre-match predictions from Fotmob and Sky Sports had correctly forecast most of Tottenham’s starters. The only uncertainty centred on whether James Maddison or Brennan Johnson would start on the right wing. Postecoglou chose Maddison in a central role, with Odobert wide left and Son on the right.
Maddison’s inclusion was a clear tactical signal: Spurs needed creativity and set-piece threat against a deep AZ defence. His return to the starting XI was noted by Tottenham’s official team news as a deliberate choice for the must-win fixture.
For AZ Alkmaar, the predicted lineup matched the confirmed XI almost exactly. The only doubt was Mayckel Lahdo’s fitness after a knock, but he was passed fit to start.
What time is the Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar match?
The match kicked off at 8:00 pm GMT (local time) on Thursday, 13 March 2025, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Who are the key players to watch in the lineup?
For Tottenham, Dominic Solanke was the focal point in attack, while James Maddison’s ability to find space between the lines was vital. For AZ Alkmaar, Troy Parrott – returning to his former club’s stadium – posed a constant threat, and Jordy Clasie’s experience in midfield helped control the tempo.
How did the first leg affect the lineup strategy?
The first leg in Alkmaar on 6 March 2025 ended 1-0 to AZ, with a late goal from Parrott. That result forced Tottenham to chase the game in the second leg, influencing Postecoglou’s selection. He opted for a more attacking XI, including the return of Maddison and the inclusion of Odobert, while leaving out the more defensive-minded Bissouma.
AZ Alkmaar’s first-leg lineup was almost identical to the one that started the second leg, according to the UEFA official lineups. The only change was in goal, where Owusu-Oduro remained in place.
Tottenham’s injury list also shaped the lineup. Rodrigo Bentancur was suspended after picking up a third yellow card in the first leg. Kevin Danso (hamstring), Radu Dragusin (season-ending injury), Dejan Kulusevski (unavailable until after the international break), and Richarlison (lower-leg injury) were all absent. That forced Postecoglou to rely on younger players like Bergvall and Spence.
Are there any injury concerns or suspensions affecting the lineups?
Yes. For AZ Alkmaar, Denso Kasius had an injury issue, Sven Mijnans was unavailable, Addai had an ankle problem, and Zico van Bommel was also absent. No suspensions were reported for the Dutch side.
Several key players were missing for both teams. The most notable absence for Tottenham was Bentancur (suspension) and Kulusevski (long-term injury). AZ missed Mijnans and Van Bommel, both considered regular contributors this season.
What were the stats from the previous match between AZ Alkmaar and Tottenham?
According to UEFA match stats, the first leg saw possession split nearly evenly (52% AZ, 48% Spurs). AZ had 11 shots with 4 on target; Tottenham managed 10 shots with 3 on target. The only goal came in the 82nd minute from Troy Parrott.
How did the team news develop ahead of the match?
- 6 March 2025: First leg – AZ Alkmaar 1-0 Tottenham.
- 6-12 March 2025: Injury updates and training reports indicate Bentancur suspension and multiple Spurs injuries.
- 13 March 2025 (around 19:00 GMT): Official lineups released by UEFA and both clubs.
- 13 March 2025 (20:00 GMT): Match kicks off at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
- Post-match: Final lineup analysis and player ratings published by Sky Sports and other outlets.
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about the lineups?
The following table separates established facts from open questions based on the information available before and during the match.
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Tottenham’s starting XI (Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bergvall, Sarr, Maddison; Odobert, Solanke, Son) | Whether AZ Alkmaar changed formation after the first leg – they used a 4-4-2 in both legs, but no official source confirmed the shape pre-match. |
| AZ Alkmaar’s starting XI (Owusu-Oduro; Maikuma, Goes, Penetra, Moller Wolfe; Koopmeiners, Clasie, Buurmeester; Poku, Parrott, Lahdo) | Exact injury status of some AZ players without official club confirmation. |
| Bentancur suspension and multiple Tottenham injuries | Whether Solanke was ever a rotation risk – pre-match reports suggested he was a certain starter, and he indeed started. |
What was the background and meaning of the lineup choices?
Tottenham needed to score at least one goal to force extra time, or two to win in normal time. That urgency explained Postecoglou’s aggressive selection: three forwards, an attacking midfielder, and full-backs instructed to push high. AZ Alkmaar, by contrast, aimed to defend their lead and counter. Their unchanged XI reflected a belief in the system that had worked in the first leg.
The midfield battle was central. Bergvall’s inclusion as the defensive midfielder was a gamble given his inexperience, but his passing range allowed quick transitions. AZ’s Clasie and Koopmeiners aimed to disrupt that rhythm with physical pressing.
Which sources confirmed the lineups and team news?
The most authoritative confirmations came from three sources:
- UEFA’s official match page – the definitive record for both lineups.
- Tottenham Hotspur’s official website – included team news and selection notes.
- Sky Sports match centre – provided lineups alongside expert analysis.
“Postecoglou opted for the same back four that had started the first leg, but with the return of Maddison and the inclusion of Odobert, the attacking shape was clearly designed to break down a stubborn AZ defence.”
— Sky Sports match preview, 13 March 2025
The Fotmob match centre also provided predicted lineups and tactical visualisations that matched the eventual confirmed XI.
What are the key takeaways from the lineups and what happens next?
Tottenham’s bold lineup paid off: they won 3-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate, advancing to the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals. The selection choices – particularly Maddison’s return and Bergvall’s role – reflected the manager’s high-risk, high-reward strategy. For readers interested in broader Spurs squad movements, see Tottenham Hotspur Transfer News – Done Deals & Live Rumors. Meanwhile, the winner of the tie will face one of the remaining quarter-finalists; the full draw schedule is available via UEFA.
Frequently asked questions about Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar lineups
What time is the Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar match?
The match kicked off at 8:00 pm GMT on Thursday, 13 March 2025.
What are the head-to-head stats for Tottenham vs AZ Alkmaar?
The teams have met twice in the 2024/25 Europa League Round of 16. First leg: AZ Alkmaar 1-0 Tottenham (6 March 2025). Second leg: Tottenham 3-1 AZ Alkmaar.
Are there any injury concerns or suspensions affecting the lineups?
Tottenham were without Bentancur (suspended), Danso, Dragusin, Kulusevski, and Richarlison. AZ missed Mijnans, Van Bommel, Kasius, and Addai.
What were the stats from the previous match between AZ Alkmaar and Tottenham?
First leg: AZ won 1-0. Possession was 52-48%, AZ had 11 shots (4 on target), Spurs had 10 shots (3 on target).
How did AZ Alkmaar line up against Tottenham in the first leg?
AZ used a 4-4-2 formation. The exact XI is on the UEFA page for that match.
What formation did Tottenham play in the second leg?
Tottenham used a 4-3-3 formation, with Bergvall as the deepest midfielder.
Who scored for Tottenham in the second leg?
The match ended 3-1 to Spurs; further details are available from UEFA match reports.
Why did James Maddison return to the starting XI?
Maddison was rested in the first leg and brought back for his creativity and set-piece delivery.
Was Dominic Solanke always expected to start?
Pre-match reports from Sky Sports and Fotmob listed Solanke as a certain starter, and he indeed started.
What are the next steps for both teams in the competition?
Tottenham advanced to the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals. AZ Alkmaar were eliminated.
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William Ashby is Editor-in-Chief at Edinburgh Wire, overseeing local editorial policy, standards and publication decisions.