🔗 Share this article

Spurs' manager celebrated a successful Champions League bow thanks to a calamitous blunder by their rivals keeper Luiz Junior.

Uncontested, Junior fumbled a Spurs player's cross into his own net, handing Spurs a ideal opening.

This represented ex-Brentford gaffer the gaffer's debut match in the event, but the team lived dangerously at times before the interval.

A crucial action by the defender stopped one-time Arsenal winger Pepe from curling in, while Buchanan sent a shot wide.

But an excellent intervention by Junior kept out Spurs from getting a second goal when he blocked Pape Matar Sarr's shot.

The visitors pushed forward in the second stanza, but the home side held strong to keep out them.

The Brazilian should have been more clinical with a header as Spurs looked for a security goal, but finally it was not needed.

Breakdown: Spurs Unconvincing but Defence Shines

This represented the victory Tottenham wanted on their return to the Champions League, but it was not a flawless performance.

Junior's regrettable blunder provided the supporters excited and could have been the platform for a strong performance, but that did not happen.

Tottenham's beginning to the campaign has been impressive, with eye-catching wins against one opponent and City, but there was also a worrying display in a defeat to another side.

They showed more similarities to that game with some sloppy phases of play and loose passes whenever they broke forward.

However, their defensive work was strong with one player and Bentancur making vital tackles, particularly in the final period.

Victory means Spurs are now without a loss in their last 21 home games in continental competitions.

Top Player

Jersey: 37 the defender

Score: 7.49

---

Also of Interest

• UEFA Competitions
• Tottenham Hotspur
• Football