Spurs Secure Champions League Win After Villarreal Goalkeeper Error | OneFootball

Tottenham edge Villarreal in Champions League opener

Early fortune changes the contest

Tottenham marked their return to the Champions League with a victory that owed as much to fortune as it did to discipline. Thomas Frank, making his debut as a manager in Europe’s elite competition, could scarcely have dreamed of a more generous start.

With only four minutes played, Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior inexplicably fumbled Lucas Bergvall’s cross into his own net. It was a moment of chaos that handed Spurs control, lifting the noise inside the stadium and setting the tone for what should have been a statement performance. Instead, Tottenham were forced to labour for their points.

Villarreal threaten despite early setback

For all their early advantage, Spurs offered encouragement to their visitors. Nicolas Pepe, once of Arsenal, almost punished a defensive lapse, only for Micky van de Ven to intervene decisively. Tajon Buchanan, too, spurned a clear chance when he dragged a shot wide.

Tottenham did create opportunities of their own — Pape Matar Sarr drawing a sharp save from Junior midway through the first half — but the rhythm never fully settled. Villarreal sensed as much after the interval, pressing forward with increasing urgency, though Tottenham’s back line stood tall to absorb the pressure.

Defensive resilience makes the difference

Richarlison’s missed header in the second half might have proved costly on another evening, yet the defensive partnership of Van de Ven and Rodrigo Bentancur ensured Villarreal never found a route back. Frank’s side, though sloppy at times in possession, exhibited what he later called a “clean sheet mentality” — a pragmatism that may serve them well in Europe.

The visitors introduced former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey late on, his presence inevitably drawing attention given his forthcoming court appearance in London on rape and sexual assault charges. It was his first match on English soil since the allegations emerged.

Spurs maintain European momentum

For Tottenham, the significance lies not just in the scoreline but in the sense of momentum. Unbeaten now in 21 home matches in UEFA competition, they have established their ground as a fortress. Frank’s team were far from flawless — too many loose passes, too many moments of carelessness — yet they withstood Villarreal’s surge and emerged intact.

It was not a display to strike fear across Europe, but as Tottenham know well, in the Champions League sometimes survival is the first step towards ambition.