AMSTERDAM – Aron Jóhannsson and AZ Alkmaar had their Europa League playoff round decider halted near the hour by a small fire at AFAS-Stadion with the hosts trailing 1-0 in the game, but still leading 2-1 on aggregate over Greek side Atromitos.
Shortly after the US forward was subbed out by the Cheese Farmers, who were down to 10 men, a fire broke out in one of the stadium luxury boxes. The crowd was then evacuated and the game suspended by UEFA until Friday morning at 11 am Alkmaar time.
Elsewhere, Brad Friedel needed just one save to help Tottenham Hotspur post a 3-0 win over Dinamo Tbilisi in his campaign debut.
The veteran netminder's light night of work was essentially completed with a stop on Elguja Grigalashvili just out of intermission. Spurs advanced past the Georgians thanks an 8-0 aggregate rout.
Terrence Boyd returned from injury to dress, but did not feature as Rapid Vienna booked their place in the group stage with a 3-0 (4-0 aggregate) second-leg victory at Georgian side Dila Gori.
Conor O'Brien went unused as FC Nordsjælland bowed out with a 1-0 (2-1 aggregate) defeat to visiting Swedish holders Elfsborg.
The Europa League group stage draw will take place on Friday afternoon.
