Tottenham faces Alkmaar in UEL Round of 16, seeks title for Son Heung-min

Tottenham will face Netherlands' AZ Alkmaar in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16.

UEFA held the draw for the 2024-2025 season's Europa League Round of 16 on the 21st (Korea time) at its headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland.

Tottenham competes with Alkmaar for a spot in the quarterfinals. The winning team from this match will meet the winner of the Ajax and Frankfurt match.

Tottenham has encountered a relatively easy opponent. Strong teams like Manchester United and Real Sociedad have been placed on the opposite side of the draw, eliminating the possibility of facing them until the final.

The Round of 16 matches will be played in a home-and-away format. The first leg is scheduled for next month on the 6th, and the second leg will be on the 13th.

For Son Heung-min, this Europa League presents the only remaining opportunity for a title this season. Earlier, the team was eliminated in the semifinals of the Carabao Cup and faced an early exit in the FA Cup, thwarting their chance for a trophy. In the English Premier League, they have played 25 matches so far, remaining in 12th place among 20 teams.

However, the atmosphere is different in the Europa League. It is on the rise. In the league phase, they recorded 5 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in 8 matches, achieving good results to advance to the Round of 16. The only loss came against Turkey's Galatasaray.

Tottenham also desperately needs a championship. Since winning the League Cup in the 2007-2008 season, they have not been on top. While they have finished as runners-up in the UEFA Champions League and the league, they have never claimed the top position.

[2024-2025 season UEL Round of 16 matchups]

Viktoria Plzen vs Lazio

Bodø/Glimt vs Olympiacos

Ajax vs Frankfurt

Alkmaar vs Tottenham

AS Roma vs Athletic Club

Fenerbahçe vs Rangers

FCSB vs Olympique Lyon

Real Sociedad vs Manchester United