Tottenham Hotspur advanced into the semi-finals of the Europa League after beating Eintracht Frankfurt 1-0 in the second leg of their quarter-final clash on Thursday night, winning 2-1 on aggregate.
The opening stages of the match were tense, and the visitors could have easily conceded first had centre-back Micky van de Ven not made a last-ditch tackle on striker Hugo Ekitike.
However, Spurs were awarded a penalty close to the interval when James Maddison was fouled by goalkeeper Kaua Santos, and Dominic Solanke converted to give his side a first-half lead.
Maddison was unfortunately taken off as a result of what looked like a head injury, and his side's lack of creativity in the second half was noticeable.
Tottenham managed to hold onto their lead and won 2-1 on aggregate, and the Londoners now face a semi-final tie against either Lazio or Bodo/Glimt.
SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT
© Imago
Eintracht Frankfurt still have the chance to qualify for the Champions League through their placement in the Bundesliga given they are currently third in the top flight.
As for Spurs, the significance of the victory should not be underestimated for boss Ange Postecoglou, who may have faced the prospect of being sacked had his side not progressed.
Winning the Europa League would help salvage Tottenham's dismal campaign, with the competition not only representing a chance to end their 17-year trophy drought, but it would also ensure they qualify for the Champions League.
EINTRACHT FRANKFURT VS. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR HIGHLIGHTS
16th min: Micky van de Ven (Tottenham Hotspur) tackle
Micky van de Ven ⚡️⚡️⚡️
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 17, 2025
The Dutch defender uses his pace to make a vital challenge on Hugo Ekitike 💨
📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/tlASQ1GIlv
Santos plays a simple pass from his own penalty area over the top of Spurs' defence to Ekitike, and the striker is through on goal but, Van de Ven makes a sliding challenge in Tottenham's box to prevent the Frenchman scoring.
Such poor defending from the visitors!
43rd min: Eintracht Frankfurt 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Dominic Solanke)
© Imago
Maddison tries to header a shot over the top of Eintracht Frankfurt's defence but goalkeeper Santos clashes into him, and the referee awards a penalty after the VAR recommended a review, before striker Solanke places his effort down the middle.
Calm and composed from Solanke!
45+1st min: James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur) injury
© Imago
Postecoglou takes no risks with Maddison after he suffered an apparent head injury during his collision with Santos, and the Spurs boss brings on Dejan Kulusevski.
A sensible substitution.
MAN OF THE MATCH - MICKY VAN DE VEN
© Imago
Van de Ven arguably made a goal-saving tackle in the first half to prevent Eintracht Frankfurt from opening the scoring, and his recovery pace was vital in stifling Ekitike.
The centre-back made 15 defensive actions - the second most of any player - and won six of his nine duels, while also completing 37 of his 44 passes.
EINTRACHT FRANKFURT VS. TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR MATCH STATS
Possession: Eintracht Frankfurt 61%-39% Tottenham Hotspur
Shots: Eintracht Frankfurt 14-12 Tottenham Hotspur
Shots on target: Eintracht Frankfurt 5-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Corners: Eintracht Frankfurt 8-7 Tottenham Hotspur
Fouls: Eintracht Frankfurt 7-9 Tottenham Hotspur
BEST STATS
7 - Among Englishmen, only James Tavernier in 2021-22 (7 goals, 2 assists) and Bobby Zamora in 2009-10 (6 goals, 2 assists) have been involved in more goals in a single UEFA Europa League season than Dominic Solanke this season (3 goals, 4 assists). Talisman. pic.twitter.com/sjhqfgU5Ew
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 17, 2025
Tottenham have reached the semi-finals of a major European competition for just the second time in the Premier League era.
— Squawka (@Squawka) April 17, 2025
◎ 2018/19 Champions League
◉ 2024/25 Europa League
Ange Postecoglou might just keep his promise. 👀 pic.twitter.com/4n1RpwbdsW
WHAT NEXT?
Eintracht Frankfurt travel to play Augsburg in the Bundesliga on Sunday, before hosting RB Leipzig on April 26 in the third last top-flight game of the season.
As for Tottenham, they will host Champions League hopefuls Nottingham Forest on Monday night in the Premier League and then face Liverpool on April 27 at Anfield.
Lewis Nolan
