The London Club Secure Victory Over The Spanish Side in European Comeback
The game represented the team's maiden Champions League victory since the previous season.
At a Glance
Tottenham come out on top on their comeback to the Champions League
Their opponents keeper the keeper mishandles the ball into his own net
The win represents the manager's first UCL fixture in charge
The Tottenham boss celebrated a positive Champions League first outing thanks to a disastrous blunder by the opposition keeper the keeper.
Under no pressure, the keeper mishandled Lucas Bergvall's cross into his net, giving the home team a dream opening.
It marked previously Brentford manager Frank's maiden time in the event, but the team lived dangerously at moments before the half.
A crucial challenge by Van de Ven stopped one-time Arsenal attacker Pepe from scoring, while the Villarreal player sent a shot astray.
But an excellent save by Junior prevented Tottenham from scoring a second when he kept out Pape Matar Sarr's effort.
Villarreal applied pressure in the latter period, but the home side defended superbly to thwart them.
The Brazilian should have improved with a header as Tottenham attempted a comfort goal, but in the end it was unnecessary.
Analysis: Tottenham Shaky but Backline Shines
It proved to be the victory the club desired on their reappearance to the UCL, but it was far from a perfect performance.
The goalie's regrettable blunder gave the fans roused and could have been the platform for a commanding display, but that did not happen.
Tottenham's beginning to the campaign has been strong, with notable victories against the Hammers and the champions, but there was also a concerning performance in a setback to Bournemouth.
The team displayed more parallels to that fixture with several weak phases of play and loose passes whenever they broke forward.
Nevertheless, their backline was solid with Van de Ven and Bentancur making key tackles, notably in the second half.
Victory means the club are now without a loss in their last 21 home games in European competitions.
Player of the Match
Jersey: 37 the defender
Score: 7.49
Related Topics
- UEFA Competitions
- The Club
- Football
