Frank heralds ´big win´ for Spurs in Champions League opener

Thomas Frank heralded a “big win” for his Tottenham team after they edged out Villarreal 1-0 in their opening Champions League fixture.

The deadlock was broken inside just four minutes at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, when a goalkeeping blunder from Luiz Junior saw him inexplicably turn the ball into his own net, after trying to deal with a Lucas Bergvall cross.

Yet the early goal did not spark a flurry of goalmouth action. Indeed, there was just one shot on target from the two teams combined, taken by Pape Matar Sarr for Spurs in the 30th minute.

This is just the second Champions League game involving a Premier League or LaLiga team to have one or fewer shots on target, the first being Chelsea’s 0-0 draw with Sparta Prague in November 2003.

The defeat ensured that Villarreal remain winless in all of their five opening Champions League matches, drawing three and losing twice.

Quick take: Match context: momentum and small details could decide this one, especially set-pieces and transitions. Form and fitness will matter; expect managers to rotate carefully around the congested schedule. Continental stakes raise the intensity, where away goals no longer apply but margins still feel razor thin. We’ll keep an eye on confirmed details as the story develops from official sources.

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Frank heralds ´big win´ for Spurs in Champions League opener