Tottenham vs Villarreal live: Thomas Frank names first Champions League line-up | OneFootball

Close

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?

Thomas Frank reflects on journey to ‘special’ Champions League debut with Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank will allow himself "two minutes" to soak up his maiden fixture in the Champions League before he shifts focus to a first win in the competition.

Tuesday's visit of Villarreal will be a debut match in Europe's elite tournament for the 51-year-old and add another notable honour in an impressive career.

Frank honed his skills as a PE teacher in his native Denmark before roles in the Danish national team youth set-up, Brondby and Brentford earned him an opportunity at Spurs this summer.

Chris Wilson16 September 2025 18:50