Watch live coverage on BBC Scotland
Middleton bends terrific strike into far corner on his first Utd start for deserved lead
Birighitti denies AZ striker Pavlidis with sprawling save late on
Sides meet again in the Netherlands next Thursday
FT: Dundee Utd 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
That'll do us on a night to remember at Tannadice. Thanks as ever for your company.
We'll be back over the course of the weekend with coverage of all the domestic action across the country.
Catch you all later.
Match report: Dundee Utd 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
Image source, SNSFT: Dundee United 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
On goalscorer Glenn Middleton, United boss Jack Ross adds: "I said he had the ability to produce those moments and I think with where he's at in his career he needs a home.
"I'm really pleased he got off to that type of start because it helps you with supporters, it helps you with self confidence.
"I've not seen it back yet but I thought the goal was brilliant at the time with Jamie McGrath's involvement too.
"Tonight the atmosphere in here was incredible."
FT: Dundee United 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
United need to turn their attention back to the Premiership when they travel to Livingston on Sunday.
Then, next Thursday, Jack Ross' side will travel to the Netherlands for their return leg against AZ Alkmaar.
FT: Dundee Utd 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
Image source, SNS
Image source, SNS
Image source, SNS
Image source, SNS
Image source, SNSFT: Dundee United 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
Dundee United boss Jack Ross to BBC Scotland: "First 10 minutes of the game it was difficult, we knew they were a good team and they showed that in the opening stages of the game.
"I don't think it spooked us, it just took us a little bit of time to settle and after that I thought we were outstanding.
"We didn't control all the game, we had spells we were good and spells we had to defend - but we showed a lot of qualify in it as well.
"I said to [the players], when the second leg comes around we’ll deal with it - but what they've done tonight is achieve a brilliant result against a top European team.
"It's been a while since this club has done that so that group in there should be really proud tonight."
Image source, SNSFT: Dundee United 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
Craig Levein
Former Scotland manager on BBC Sportsound
Quote MessageThe United supporters have been waiting to get back into Europe for a while. I don't know the last time the stadium was this full of home fans. I'm so pleased for them and so pleased for Jack Ross and his backroom staff too.
FT: Dundee United 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
Dundee United defender Charlie Mulgrew to BBC Sportsound: "Listen, they're a good side and we knew it was going to be difficult at times - but we stuck at it and we got the goal.
"We're thankful for the fans coming out to support us tonight, they gave us that extra lift and we are thankful for that, but it's only half time.
"This is brilliant. We're delighted to be involved in it but we don't want to just be here, we want to take part in it and do well.
"We're happy with the result tonight and it'll be a completely different leg away from home. I hope the fans can enjoy this.
"It'll be a completely different game next week."
FT: Dundee United 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
Could watch that on a loop all night long. What a goal.
Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
Image source, SNSFT: Dundee Utd 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
Michael Stewart
Former Hearts midfielder on BBC Scotland
Quote MessageI was thinking was it perhaps a little too early for something special to happen here under Jack Ross. But when you look at that team, they're capable. And, boy, did they perform. What a night. A brilliant game. United made AZ look ordinary.
Allow Twitter content?
This article contains content provided by Twitter. We ask for your permission before anything is loaded, as they may be using cookies and other technologies. You may want to read Twitter’s cookie policy, external and privacy policy, external before accepting. To view this content choose ‘accept and continue’.
FT: Dundee United 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
John Rankin
Former Dundee Utd midfielder on BBC Sportsound
Quote MessageWhat a night! The goal is absolute quality. You knew something was going to happen. United thoroughly deserved it.
They've done it!
It's only halfway but it's a night to remember at Tannadice.
A fantastic all-round display, capped off by a stunning Glenn Middleton goal has given United a priceless first-leg lead.
Dundee United 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
Time's up...
Dundee United 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
Yep, you guessed. Ryan Edwards. Head. Clearance.
AZ are then done for a foul throw. Daft.
Dundee United 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
Another free-kick for AZ about 40 yards from goal. Big, big groan from the stands.
90 seconds remain...
Dundee United 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
Another change for United as Steven Fletcher goes off to a huge reception.
Nicky Clark is on.
Dundee United 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
Ryan Edwards... again! Huge head on that free-kick delivery.
Tony Watt then absolutely leathers the ball to safety. One of the furthest clearances ever recorded in history.
Dundee United 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
United are really, really digging in now as Tony Watt gives away a foul in a dangerous spot...