Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham Hotspur team is still in the hunt for a place in the last four of the Europa League, but their journey to Frankfurt is far from straightforward.
After a tense 1-1 draw at home, Spurs will have to build on their resilience and avoid regretting missed opportunities. Although they showed glimpses of their potential, some key moments slipped through their fingers.
A Rocky Start for Spurs
Tottenham’s European clash got off to a shaky start, with their opponents, Eintracht Frankfurt, taking the lead early.
Just six minutes into the match, James Maddison was dispossessed deep in Frankfurt’s half, and the ball quickly shifted the other way.
Pedro Porro, always quick to join the attack, found himself caught out of position as Eintracht’s Ellyes Skhiri launched a perfect pass down the right side.
Hugo Ekitike, Frankfurt’s top scorer, seized the chance, drifting into the space and curling in a precise shot that left Spurs’ goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario with no chance.
It was Ekitike’s 20th goal of the season, and it was not the start Postecoglou wanted.
Despite this early setback, Tottenham managed to regroup.
They controlled much of the game, slowly pushing forward and creating pressure, particularly through Dominic Solanke, who was key in holding the ball up and finding space for teammates like Maddison.
Their efforts paid off in the 26th minute when Porro scored the equalizer.
After a fluid move involving Heung-min Son, Solanke, and Maddison, Porro finished with a clever flick of his left boot to equalize.
A Missed Opportunity for a Second Goal
Spurs came out with greater urgency in the second half, with Lucas Bergvall almost putting them ahead with a spectacular shot that rattled the goal frame.
The crowd was energized, and Tottenham surged forward, only to be repeatedly denied by Eintracht’s goalkeeper, Kaua Santos.
Santos made key saves to thwart Son and Maddison, while Spurs also struck the woodwork again, with Rodrigo Bentancur’s header from a corner bouncing off the bar.
Despite the constant pressure, Spurs couldn’t find a breakthrough, and the tension mounted as the clock ticked down.
There were also missed chances from Brennan Johnson, who couldn’t convert a similar chance to the one he scored in Tottenham’s recent win over Southampton.
Looking Ahead to Frankfurt
Tottenham will need to raise their game when they travel to Frankfurt for the return leg.
While they dominated for long stretches of the match, their inability to take full advantage of their opportunities will surely be a point of focus in the days ahead.
Against a team that is deadly on the counter, Spurs must improve their finishing and avoid any defensive lapses.
The tie is still very much alive, and despite the disappointing result, Postecoglou will be encouraged by his team’s fight.
However, with a hostile atmosphere awaiting them in Germany, Spurs’ focus will have to remain sharp if they want to advance.