Tottenham vs Villarreal live: Spurs begin Champions League campaign against LaLiga side | OneFootball

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Frank on Tottenham's first victory in 6 years against West Ham

Tottenham begin their Champions League campaign as one of the three continental title-holders as the Europa League champions play host to Villarreal.

Spurs endured a dismal domestic season last term but found salvation on the European scene, winning a first trophy in 17 years under Ange Postecoglou to seal their place in the continent’s premier competition despite their 17th-place Premier League finish.

While glory wasn’t enough to save Postecoglou’s job, new manager Thomas Frank has made Spurs look worthy of their Champions League status in the early season, racking up nine points from 12 in the league after taking European champions Paris Saint-Germain to the wire in the Super Cup.

They’ll play PSG again in the competition’s league phase but focus will be on tonight’s opener against LaLiga outfit Villarreal, who have similarly started the new season in fine stead. Can Frank’s side get their Champions League season off to a flyer?

Team news

The line-ups should be released in the next 15 minutes or so, so here’s a reminder of the early Spurs team news...

Dominic Solanke missed Tottenham’s demolition of West Ham on the weekend and is a big doubt for Tuesday as he nurses an ankle injury. He will likely join confirmed absentees James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski - both of whom are out with long-term injuries - while Mathys Tel and Yves Bissouma are ineligible after being snubbed from the squad. New signing Randal Kolo Muani could make his debut up top in Solanke’s stead.

The Champions League’s existential threat is closer than you think

In the days before this Champions League season began, there was considerable agitation about one big topic that may yet change its future.

The Uefa Executive Committee met on Thursday, after a lot of lobbying, to allow LaLiga to play games abroad. It was ultimately decided that the issue had so many potential complications that it required more discussion.

LaLiga’s fiery president, Javier Tebas, would instead argue it’s all very simple, and point to this Champions League week. An unprecedented six Premier League clubs are involved, showcasing the competition’s uncatchable power.

The Champions League’s existential threat is closer than you think

As six Premier League teams enter the Champions League this season, the ‘Super League’ has already arrived, explains Miguel Delaney – forcing Europe’s heavyweights to explore divisive ideas

Chris Wilson16 September 2025 18:00