Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal: Goals and Highlights
Summary
Tottenham Hotspur won 1-0 against Villarreal in their UEFA Champions League opener at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Under new boss Thomas Frank Spurs took advantage of an early mistake to get the three points in the group stage.
Villarreal who finished 5th in LaLiga last season, returned to the competition and couldn’t convert their chances, they are pointless after Matchday 1. The electric atmosphere and Tottenham’s grit made for a great European night, both teams had only one shot on target each.
Goals
The only goal came in the 4th minute when Lucas Bergvall’s cross forced an own goal by Villarreal’s goalkeeper Luiz Júnior who fumbled the ball into his own net. This was Tottenham’s fastest ever Champions League goal. Villarreal responded with Nicolas Pépé and Tajon Buchanan testing Guglielmo Vicario but no more goals were scored as Spurs defended well.
Player of the Match
Lucas Bergvall was the Player of the Match for his part in the early goal. The young midfielder’s cross and overall play, including 2 shots and 2 fouls won, showed his growing importance in Thomas Frank’s team.
Match Highlights
Spurs had the early possession with 58% but Villarreal grew into the game and had 10 shots and 19 touches in the opposition box. Xavi Simons was 8/10, Micky van de Ven was yellow carded in the 90th minute for a VAR checked foul on Georges Mikautadze.
Ayoze Pépé created chances but poor finishing, including 4 shots off target, cost them. Subs João Palhinha and Destiny Udogie helped Tottenham, Dani Parejo couldn’t get Villarreal back in the game. This win sets Spurs up well for the next European game, Villarreal will look to bounce back against Qarabag.
