Richarlison scores late for Tottenham in Europa League clash
- Richarlison scored a penalty for Tottenham in the second half after a brief dispute over who would take the kick.
- The match took place as part of the Europa League, with Tottenham securing a 1-0 victory against AZ Alkmaar.
- This win marked Tottenham's third consecutive victory in the competition and their seventh win out of eight games this season.
Tottenham Hotspur faced AZ Alkmaar in a pivotal Europa League match on October 24, 2024, in the Netherlands. Richarlison, making his first start of the season after recovering from a calf injury, scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 53rd minute. The incident leading up to the penalty created a moment of tension between Richarlison and fellow teammate James Maddison, but ultimately, Maddison's intervention facilitated Richarlison's successful conversion. The match unfolded with significant changes in Tottenham's lineup, as Coach Ange Postecoglou opted to rotate players following a recent victory over West Ham. Tottenham began the game energetically, yet opportunities came sparingly for either side in the first half. Notably, Mikey Moore squandered an early chance that could have given Spurs an advantage. Potential scoring opportunities dwindled despite efforts from both teams, until Richarlison's penalty broke the deadlock. Despite a spirited fightback from AZ Alkmaar, including a notable save from Tottenham goalkeeper Fraser Forster, the scoring remained stable at 1-0. The visitors faced further challenges when Maxim Dekker was sent off late in the game, hindering any comeback efforts. The victory underscores Tottenham's impressive form as they aim for continued success in this year's Europa League, reinforcing their status as a competitive team in the tournament with seven wins from eight games this season.