Kolo Muani and Solanke propel Spurs to Champions League knockout phase
Goals during the second period from Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke assisted Tottenham in securing direct entry to the Champions League knockout rounds on Wednesday, courtesy of a 2-0 triumph over Eintracht Frankfurt.
Tottenham maintained dominance throughout the match yet had to push hard to claim the victory, hampered by more than twelve players sidelined and just a single seasoned substitute available.
Tottenham ended up in fourth position within the 36-team standings, providing a much-needed lift for Thomas Frank's team following a disappointing run in the domestic league.
Frank mentioned to journalists that the success highlighted his team's "resilience", noting: "A 2-0 scoreline on the road in the Champions League is remarkable. Plenty of encouraging aspects emerged, though we must develop further from this."
When questioned about the potential progress of the Europa League champions in this season's Champions League, Frank responded: "We will aspire, give our all in the knockout round, and proceed step by step from there."
Celebrating the "superb result", Tottenham skipper Cristian Romero shared with TNT Sports: "In the Champions League, we adopt a distinct approach, treating each encounter like a decisive showdown.
"Whenever we embrace this mindset, challenges abound, but we nearly always edge towards success. We ought to apply this same attitude in the Premier League too."
Having avoided harm in a vehicle incident en route to the airport the previous day, Kolo Muani slotted the opener for Tottenham just two minutes into the second half, delivering a composed effort against his previous club.
Solanke extended the away side's advantage soon after entering the fray, positioning the capital outfit for their fifth European success this term.
"I substituted in when we led 1-0 and aimed to seal the outcome, and it became straightforward afterwards, so naturally I am thrilled," Solanke conveyed to TNT.
Tottenham short-staffed and facing criticism
Dealing with 14 player shortages amid a turbulent preparation for Wednesday's fixture, beleaguered Tottenham boss Frank could only field 11 veteran outfielders in Germany.
Forward Solanke drew the short straw by beginning on the sidelines, as ex-Frankfurt attacker Kolo Muani earned the starting nod in attack.
Already out of contention prior to the start, Frankfurt competed solely for honour during their second venture into the Champions League. The home team entered the clash without a permanent manager, having dismissed coach Dino Toppmoeller midway through January due to subpar performances.
Xavi Simons appeared to hand the away team an ideal start by netting within the opening two minutes, yet VAR intervention revealed Destiny Udogie in an offside position during the sequence.
Tottenham bombarded Frankfurt's net during the first half without success, despite Simons posing threats and Pape Matar Sarr striking the upright.
No side had shipped more goals than Frankfurt in the tournament up to that point this campaign, and a brief moment of inattention from the hosts permitted Tottenham to surge ahead right after the interval.
Kolo Muani, who staged a work stoppage to secure his transfer from Frankfurt to Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, faced jeers each time he neared the action but ultimately delivered the decisive strike.
From a free-kick, Simons delivered the ball, which Romero headed down neatly for Kolo Muani to convert from close range.
Solanke, who converted a spot-kick at this ground last season to aid Tottenham's path to Europa League success, replaced a teammate at the 73-minute mark and soon added the second goal.
Frankfurt's Mohamed Dahoud misplaced a pass unaware of the advancing Solanke, who controlled the ball before firing it into the net.