Tottenham stored their hopes of Europa League success alive with a defiant 1-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt to win 2-1 on combination and e-book their place within the semi-final.
They are going to now face Norwegian aspect Bodo/Glimt within the last 4, following their win on penalties in opposition to Lazio, in a bid to succeed in their first European last for the reason that Champions League heartbreak in opposition to Liverpool in 2019.
Strain was ramped up on Ange Postecoglou within the build-up to the sport, following a dismal 4-2 loss to Wolves final weekend, with their hopes of European qualification and silverware additionally hinging on the second leg in Germany.
His aspect responded to the noise with a stoic defensive efficiency to maintain Frankfurt quiet within the opening phases of the sport, earlier than Dominic Solanke’s penalty handed his aspect the benefit within the tie after goalkeeper Kaua Santos crashed into James Maddison simply earlier than the interval.
Micky van de Ven, Rodrigo Bentancur and Pedro Porro have been all influential on the defensive finish to maintain the benefit intact, whereas Guglielmo Viacrio additionally responded to latest criticism with a shocking save to maintain Fares Chaibi’s header out from shut vary.
It was removed from an ideal efficiency offensively however the dedication on the reverse finish of the pitch was commendable.
Monday twenty first April 6:30pm
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Spurs’ season and hopes of ending the 17-year anticipate a trophy stay alive and effectively, however Postecoglou’s aspect is not going to keep away from the highlight for lengthy, with a tricky take a look at in opposition to Nottingham Forest, dwell on Sky Sports activities, quick approaching on Monday.
Postecoglou: Individuals wish to mock however I will not change
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou talking to TNT Sports activities:
When requested if the victory would silence the critics, Postecoglou mentioned: “Doubt it! My pleasure comes from seeing this group of players rewarded. They have never lost belief. Super proud of them.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou reacts after his aspect progressed into the Europa League semi-finals
“I will leave that. People like to mock and ridicule. They diminish my achievements, I will keep doing what I do.
“We’re within the last 4. Semi-final of a Europe competitors. We’re not typically there.”
Will Postecoglou’s premonition come to fruition?
Sky Sports’ Patrick Rowe…
“I at all times win issues in my second 12 months,” said Postecoglou at the beginning of the season.
It was a statement that has loomed large over this team for much of the 2024/25 campaign, especially after exits in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Nonetheless, with strain and noise being piled onto them heading into this fixture, they responded and now transfer one step nearer to proving all of the critics fallacious.
It was a efficiency that was wanted from these gamers. Questions have been requested of their character, grit and dedication all through this season however this show, at a hostile Deutsche Financial institution Park, confirmed all of these qualities in abundance.
They aren’t there but but when they play like that for the rest of the competitors, they are going to be laborious to beat.
Extra to observe…
