Tottenham now have a better idea of their potential Europa League round of 16 opponents following the results in the competition on Thursday evening. Having a rare midweek off after securing a top-eight finish in UEFA's second club competition at the end of January, Ange Postecoglou and his side could watch on at a time when others were playing the first leg of their knockout phase play-off tie.
Following the draw for the play-off fixtures a fortnight ago, Spurs discovered at the time that they will play one of Galatasaray, Real Sociedad, Midtjylland or AZ Alkmaar in the round of 16. The draw paired Galatasaray with AZ Alkmaar and Real Sociedad against Danish side Midtjylland.
The teams were in action on Thursday evening, with AZ Alkmaar and Real Sociedad crucially taking an advantage into next week's return leg that will determine who makes the round of 16 and who crashes out altogether. The standout result on the night was AZ securing a 4-1 win over Galatasaray at AFAS Stadion.
Making the best possible start to the contest with Sven Mijnans scoring an outstanding free-kick that found the top corner of the goal, ex-Tottenham striker Troy Parrott then put them back in front from the penalty spot after Roland Sallai had equalised. Galatasaray were reduced to ten men shortly after the restart as Kaan Ayhan was dismissed from the field of play, with the hosts going on to take full advantage as Jordy Clasie and David Moller Wolfe added further goals to complete a resounding 4-1 win.
AZ travel to Istanbul next week with a healthy lead and they look to be in a good position of making it through to the round of 16. Real Sociedad will also be expected to join them in the next stage of the competition after winning 2-1 at Midtjylland.
Brais Mendez and Takefusa Kubo were on the scoresheet for the Spanish side in the first half, before Adam Buksa pulled one back for the Danes shortly before the break. Midtjylland were unable to net an equaliser in the second half and Real Sociedad will now be red-hot favourites to secure a last 16 berth next Thursday in San Sebastian.
It does now appear that Tottenham will play one of AZ Alkmaar or Real Sociedad in the round of 16 but you can never say never in European competition, especially with Galatasaray boasting some good attacking options and also a very passionate home crowd. Spurs' next opponents will be confirmed when the draw is made at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland at midday on Friday, February 21.
From the knockout round play-offs onwards, the competition is using a bracket system, just like in major international tournaments, and Tottenham's route to the final and possible opponents will be mapped out. The north London club will be seeded in next Friday's draw, meaning they will be at home in the second leg of their round of 16 fixture, and they will either be drawn in the silver side or orange side of the bracket, thus determining their route all the way to the final in Bilbao in May.
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