Struggling in the bottom half of the Premier League and out of both domestic cups, Spurs' hopes of a successful season rest on European glory, with a long-awaited trophy win also presenting a route back into continental action next season.

But a narrow loss in this last-16 first leg in the Netherlands represented a positive result for a visiting side which wwas dominated from the outset despite controlling possession.

The only goal came courtesy of a Tottenham player as Lucas Bergvall's sliced clearance looped over Guglielmo Vicario in the 18th minute.

Vicario thereafter ensured that remained the extent of the damage ahead of next week's return match, though, saving from ex-Spurs forward Troy Parrott before Ange Postecoglou's men somehow survived a manic goalmouth scramble shortly before half-time.

There was no change to the pattern of play at the restart, but Vicario saved well from Ernest Poku, and AZ may fear it has let Tottenham off the hook.