Spurs Edge Villarreal in Champions League Comeback

Thomas Frank enjoyed a positive Champions League bow thanks to a disastrous mistake by the opposition goalkeeper Luiz Junior.

Under no pressure, Junior dropped the midfielder's ball into his own net, handing the home team a ideal beginning.

This was ex-Brentford manager Frank's maiden match in the competition, but the team lived dangerously at moments before the break.

An important action by the defender stopped former Arsenal player Pepe from finding the net, while Buchanan dragged a shot wide.

However an excellent save by Junior kept out Tottenham from getting a second goal when he kept out the midfielder's effort.

The Spanish team applied pressure in the second stanza, but Spurs stood firm to repel them.

Richarlison could have been more clinical with a header as Spurs sought a security goal, but finally it was unnecessary.

Review: The Team Sloppy but Backline Impresses

This represented the result the club desired on their reappearance to the European stage, but it was not a ideal showing.

The keeper's costly blunder got the fans excited and could have been the base for a dominant performance, but that failed to materialise.

Spurs' beginning to the campaign has been impressive, with eye-catching wins against West Ham and Manchester City, but there was also a disappointing display in a setback to the Cherries.

There were more comparisons to that game with several weak phases of play and careless passes whenever they advanced.

Nevertheless, their backline was resolute with Van de Ven and Bentancur making crucial tackles, particularly in the later stages.

Victory means Tottenham are now unbeaten in their last 21 fixtures in their stadium in European competitions.

Top Player

Jersey: 37 the defender

Performance: 7.49

Related Topics

• UEFA Competitions
• Spurs
• Soccer