ROUTE TO THE FINAL

TOTTENHAM'S ROAD TO BILBAO

- BY GEORGE SESSIONS

THREE consecutive wins, including from a youthful line-up at Ferencvaros, had Spurs immediately on course for a top-eight finish, but a 3-2 loss in a cauldron of noise at Galatasaray in November was followed by a winter injury crisis.

It threatened to derail Tottenham's hopes of avoiding the play-off round, only for battling draws with Roma and Rangers to be backed up by a crucial 3-2 triumph at Hoffenheim in the club's penultimate league phase fixture.

It meant a draw at home to Elfsborg in the last game would send Ange Postecoglou's team through to the last 16 and a 3-0 victory, with 17-year-old Mikey Moore on target for the first time, earned fourth spot.

LAST 16: AZ ALKMAAR

0-1 (a), 3-1 (h); 3-2 on aggregate