Tottenham’s potential path to Europa League final revealed – Lazio loom on the horizon
Tottenham Hotspur learned this afternoon that they will be playing AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League Round of 16, but they also have an idea of the potential path they will take to the final in Bilbao as the Lilywhites attempt to end their trophy drought.
Having finished in the top eight of the group stage, Spurs sealed direct progression to the round of 16 stage of the Europa League.
That meant that Ange Postecoglou‘s men had the privilege of putting their feet up over recent weeks and watching other sides battle it out to join them in the next stage. Tottenham found out today that they will battle AZ Alkmaar for a place in the Europa League final eight.
While the tie looks like a complicated one at this stage of the competition, Spurs do have the advantage of having the second leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Unfortunately, that is the last time Tottenham will boast that advantage in the entire competition.
Tottenham’s discover full Europa League bracket
Tottenham’s aim will be to reach the Europa League final at San Mames on 21 May, but their path to getting there is certainly far from straightforward.
As we know, Tottenham face AZ Alkmaar in the Round of 16. If they make it past Troy Parrott and Co, they will face either Ajax or Eintracht Frankfurt in the quarter-finals. In the quarters, Spurs will play the first leg at home and the second leg away.
If Postecoglou’s team march through to the semi-finals, they will find one of Bodo Glimt, Olympiacos, Viktoria Plzen, or Lazio waiting for them – although the latter is by far the favourite. Spurs will also play the first semi-final leg at home if they make it that far.
As for the final itself, Tottenham can come up against anyone on the other side of the draw. While the likes of Manchester United, Real Sociedad, Roma, Athletic Bilbao, and Lyon will be favourites, they are also joined by Fenerbahce, Rangers, and FC Steaua Bucuresti.
Our predicted route to the final for Tottenham would be AZ Alkmaar, Eintracht Frankfurt, Lazio, and then Real Sociedad.
Can Spurs achieve European glory?
While there is no doubt that there are some difficult ties that Tottenham have to get through to make it to the latter stages of the Europa League, the Lilywhites have the quality to go all the way.
However, their chances might depend on having the likes of Micky van de Ven, Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke back fit, particularly in the business end of the competition.
How far Spurs go in the Europa League this season could have a major influence in determining if Postecoglou is still in charge at the start of next season.
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