"We failed to do what we were supposed to do."

Captain Son Heung-min (33, Tottenham) bowed his head without making excuses.

Tottenham lost to AZ Alkmaar 0-1 in the first leg of the round of 16 of the 2024-2025 UEFA Europa League (UEL) at AZ Stadion in Alkmaar, Netherlands, on the 7th at 2:45 a.m. (Korean time) due to an unfortunate own goal.

In the home second leg scheduled for the 14th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England, Tottenham must win by two or more goals to advance to the quarterfinals.

Tottenham remains in 13th place in the Premier League, effectively distancing itself from the title race. The team was eliminated in the semifinals of the EFL Cup and in the round of 32 of the FA Cup.

Since winning the League Cup in 2008, Tottenham has yet to add another trophy, and this season, the UEFA Europa League (UEL) is effectively the only competition that offers a glimmer of hope for victory. However, after suffering a shocking loss to Alkmaar in the first leg, they are on the brink of being eliminated in the round of 16.

Tottenham utilized a 4-3-3 formation. Son Heung-min, Mathys Tel, and Brennan Johnson led the attack, while James Maddison, Rodrigo Bentancur, and Lucas Beryval composed the midfield. The defense consisted of Destiny Udogie, Kevin Danso, Archy Gray, and Jed Spence. The goalkeeper was Guglielmo Vicario.

Alkmaar also chose a 4-3-3 formation. Rado, Troy Parrott, and Ernest Poku were deployed at the front, while Pier Koopmeiners, Zico Boermister, and Jordi Classy managed the midfield. The defense was made up of David Møller Olfe, Alexandar Penetra, Wouter Hoes, and Maikuma Seiya. The goal was defended by Rom Jayden Owusu-Oduro.

From the 6th minute of the first half, Tottenham faced a terrifying moment. Beryval kicked Rado's ankle instead of the ball, but he avoided a red card.

Alkmaar aimed for the first goal. In the 10th minute, Poku made a breakthrough on the left wing and attempted a left-foot shot, which missed the goal.

Eight minutes later, Alkmaar took the lead. An own goal was scored by Tottenham. During a corner kick, Parrott's shot hit Beryval's foot and floated high, with the ball ending up in the back of the Tottenham goal.

In the 34th minute, Tottenham counterattacked. In a free kick situation obtained in front of the box, Maddison passed the ball to Son Heung-min. However, Son Heung-min lost control and missed the scoring opportunity. In the 39th minute, Johnson received a pass switched to the opposite side and attempted a left-footed shot, but it did not lead to a goal.

With the start of the second half, Tottenham substituted Tel for Wilson Odobert.

Alkmaar aimed for an additional goal. In the 53rd minute, Poku shot in the box unmarked. Vicario barely saved it.

In the 68th minute, Tottenham aimed for an equalizer from a free kick opportunity. However, Alkmaar's defense cleared it neatly.

Four minutes later, Tottenham substituted Son Heung-min and Maddison for Dominic Solanke and Pape Sarr, changing their attacking line. Nevertheless, the attack did not flow properly.

Although three minutes of added time were given, Tottenham ultimately failed to score. In the midst of the scrimmage, Solanke, who returned from injury, collapsed again due to ill fortune. Just before the end of the match, Odobert attempted a header shot, but it went over the crossbar, concluding the game with a 0-1 defeat for Tottenham.

Son Heung-min played as a left winger and a lone striker for about 72 minutes but failed to make an impact. He recorded three shots, but there were no threatening scenes. He also had zero chance creations, one successful dribble (1/3), and one successful cross (1/2).

The British football media 'Football London' gave Son Heung-min, Tel, and Johnson the lowest team rating of 3 points. They evaluated Son Heung-min as "he was deployed as a left winger and forward but had no influence on the match," and noted that "the one shot he attempted lacked accuracy."

'Evening Standard' rated Son Heung-min 4 points. They noted, "Tottenham needed penetration and creativity from the flanks, but Son Heung-min struggled, primarily playing with his back to the goal."

According to the UEFA website, after the match, Son Heung-min said, "We fell well short of the performance we should have shown. This performance was very disappointing, including for myself. Next week, the biggest match of this season will take place, so this raises significant awareness."

He added, "I really think there was no great caution. Playing an away match in the UEL is always difficult. We created nothing in the first half and were clumsy. We failed to do what we were supposed to do."

Son Heung-min opted for an apology and reflection instead of excuses. He firmly stated, "Everyone is very disappointed with both their personal performance and the team's performance. We must reflect on ourselves. There is no excuse. We did not do well enough. It is now only 0-1, and it is not over yet. We must do much better next week."

[Photo] Captured from TNT Sports social media account.

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