Tottenham outclass Copenhagen as Van de Ven leads Champions League charge | OneFootball

Statement Night in Europe for Tottenham

Tottenham brushed aside Copenhagen in a Champions League evening that shimmered with resolve, imagination and one unforgettable sprint from deep. On a night when focus narrowed on response and character, Spurs did not flinch. They surged. They scored. They reminded Europe that momentum in this competition often arrives through grit more than glamour.

Van de Ven’s Daring Run Lifts Spurs

To label Micky van de Ven’s contribution as simply a defender’s goal would feel criminally understated. There he was, collecting the ball so close to his own penalty area that Copenhagen’s forwards must have assumed the danger had passed. Instead, the Dutchman strode forward, leaning into challenge after challenge, sailing beyond five blue shirts. He finished with the ease and poise of a striker born to that moment.

Supporters, still nursing frustration from the 1-0 loss to Chelsea, rose to salute it. The red card shown to Brennan Johnson had threatened to introduce anxiety, yet Van de Ven’s run did more than ease tension. It electrified a stadium and reaffirmed belief.

Clinical Spurs Stretch Champions League Lead

Before that sweeping solo run, Tottenham had already taken charge. Johnson opened the scoring after clever interplay carved open the visiting defence, rounding Dominik Kotarski with the composure expected at this level. Wilson Odobert added the second, reacting quickest after pressure unsettled Copenhagen inside their own penalty area.

Even after the dismissal, Copenhagen rarely sensed opportunity. Tottenham played as if a one-player disadvantage were a minor inconvenience, pressing with structure and breaking with precision. Joao Palhinha’s header for 4-0 crowned the work and only Richarlison’s late penalty against the crossbar denied an even richer margin.

Eight points from four Champions League fixtures places Tottenham in control of their group, unbeaten and confidently looking ahead to a meeting with Paris St Germain. A top eight league phase finish feels within reach, a direct route to the last sixteen very much alive.

Reaction and What Comes Next

This felt restorative. Thomas Frank had spoken of accountability after Chelsea. Here, application matched ambition. Spurs played with intelligence, tempo and the sort of calm that is often the difference in Europe. The home crowd responded in kind, roaring long before full-time drew near.

Copenhagen’s travelling support offered their own soundtrack, unbroken in voice even as goals flew in. Their commitment in a heavy defeat deserves mention, their campaign continues in Denmark soon enough.

Tottenham turn back to Premier League duty next with Manchester United visiting, followed by a fierce trip to Arsenal. Nights like this can change mood, rhythm and belief. Spurs will hope this one proves exactly that.