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Tottenham grind out a 1-0 win in Frankfurt, progressing 2-1 on aggregate after VAR awards decisive spot-kick
Tottenham are into the Europa League semi-finals after a narrow but determined 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, sealed by a first-half penalty from Dominic Solanke.
The only goal came in the 43rd minute following a VAR review. James Maddison was clattered by Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos as he chased a long ball, and referee Szymon Marciniak pointed to the spot after checking the monitor. Solanke stepped up and calmly converted, ending a 103-day goal drought.
Spurs controlled the first half, absorbed Frankfurt’s pressure in the second, and closed out the tie with discipline and composure to earn their first European semi-final appearance since their famous Champions League run in 2019.
Tactical Calls
Ange Postecoglou made five changes from the side beaten at Wolves, reintroducing key players including Micky van de Ven and Rodrigo Bentancur. With captain Heung-min Son still sidelined, Solanke led the line, supported by Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson.
After the break, Tottenham sat deeper, with Lucas Bergvall dropping alongside Bentancur to form a more compact midfield. Maddison, who won the penalty, was forced off before half-time and replaced by Dejan Kulusevski.
Late on, Postecoglou brought on Pape Matar Sarr and added Kevin Danso as a third centre-back to help shut the game down.
PLAYER WATCH
- Dominic Solanke – Held his nerve from the spot and put in a tireless shift up front.
- Guglielmo Vicario – Steady in goal, made a crucial late save to preserve the clean sheet.
- Micky van de Ven – His recovery pace was key in keeping Frankfurt’s attack quiet.
STATS SNAPSHOT
- Final Score: Eintracht Frankfurt 0-1 Tottenham (agg 1-2)
- Goal: Solanke (43’ pen)
- Booked: Johnson, Bentancur, Romero
- Key Moment: VAR intervention for the penalty
POST-MATCH VIBE
This wasn’t a vintage performance, but Tottenham won’t care. In a hostile atmosphere at Deutsche Bank Park—where Frankfurt fans set the tone with a fierce pre-match tifo—Spurs dug deep and did what was needed.
Postecoglou’s side held firm under pressure, weathered a late Frankfurt surge, and celebrated at the final whistle in the pouring rain as chants of “We’re going to Bilbao” echoed from the away end.
With key players back and confidence restored, Spurs march on to the final four.
