The UEFA Europa League match between AZ Alkmaar and Tottenham Hotspur saw the Dutch side secure a narrow 1-0 victory, a result significantly shaped by an early own goal from Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur. Despite Tottenham's possession-heavy approach, their offensive efforts were largely thwarted, evident by a mere one shot on target. This lack of clinical finishing proved critical in their inability to find an equalizer.

AZ Alkmaar's organized defensive strategy was a notable factor in the match. Despite committing 14 fouls and receiving three yellow cards, the home team's aggressive defensive stance effectively stifled Tottenham’s advances. Furthermore, AZ managed to keep Spurs at bay with disciplined team play, allowing only six shots off target. Their defense, coupled with attacking efforts that resulted in five shots on target, demonstrated a balanced approach.

Set pieces also played a crucial role in maintaining Alkmaar's momentum, with the home side earning seven corner kicks compared to Tottenham's two. This statistic highlights Alkmaar's ability to shift momentum into their favor by sustaining pressure through corners and offensive persistence. Additionally, Tottenham's failure to capitalize on their fewer, less threatening corner opportunities indicates a lack of precision and cohesion in their attacking play.

In summary, AZ Alkmaar's win can be attributed to their tactical defensive game plan and effective utilization of set pieces. Tottenham's inability to convert possession into scoring opportunities was exacerbated by their singular shot on target and failure to challenge Alkmaar’s resilient defense. Ultimately, these aspects underscored the Dutch side's superior teamwork and execution, enabling them to edge out a victory over their English adversaries.

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