Dominic Solanke’s first-half penalty kept Tottenham Hotspur’s season alive as they defeated Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0, winning 2-1 on aggregate to reach the semi-finals of the Europa League.
Penalty Decision
The penalty was awarded after a VAR review when Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos clattered into James Maddison while attempting to claim a long ball forward. Solanke stepped up to take the spot-kick and stroked the ball down the middle as Santos dived to the left.
Second-Half Pressure
After the break, Frankfurt dominated possession, but Tottenham threatened on the counter-attack and from set-pieces. Cristian Romero headed narrowly wide from a corner, while Rodrigo Bentancur headed over from a similar situation. Guglielmo Vicario produced a magnificent save with his legs to keep out Fares Chaibi from close range.
Tactical Display
Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou praised his team’s display, saying: “Spurs show fight when it matters most… It has been an abysmal season for Tottenham and their supporters, but with one last shred of hope on the line, Postecoglou’s players turned up.”
What’s Next?
Tottenham will face either Lazio or Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals, with the winner advancing to the final. The win marks a significant achievement for Tottenham, who have struggled in the Premier League this season. The team’s next challenge will be to build on this performance and push for a trophy.
This Europa League campaign has been a redemption story for Tottenham, who faced significant challenges throughout the season. However, the team’s determination and resilience have paid off, and they now have a chance to make a deep run in the competition. The players and fans will be eager to see if Tottenham can build on this success and achieve a positive outcome in the semi-finals.
Tottenham’s progress in the Europa League has provided a much-needed boost to the team’s morale and confidence. The players have shown their ability to perform under pressure, and Postecoglou’s tactics have been instrumental in their success. As Tottenham looks to the semi-finals, the team will be focused on delivering another strong performance and advancing to the final.