Now Reading: Solanke’s Penalty Powers Spurs to Europa League Semi-Finals!
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Solanke’s Penalty Powers Spurs to Europa League Semi-Finals!
Tottenham Hotspur advanced to the UEFA Europa League semi-finals with a 1-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the second leg on April 17, 2025, at Deutsche Bank Park, clinching a 2-1 aggregate win.
Dominic Solanke’s 43rd-minute penalty, following a VAR-reviewed foul by goalkeeper Kaua Santos on James Maddison, proved decisive, ending Spurs’ 11-match goal drought for the £65 million striker, per ESPN. The first leg on April 10 ended 1-1, with Pedro Porro’s goal canceling out Hugo Ekitike’s early strike.
Despite Frankfurt’s 58% possession and early pressure, including a sixth-minute chance from Ekitike, Tottenham’s defense, led by Micky van de Ven, held firm, with goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario making two crucial saves, per NBC Sports. Spurs, missing captain Son Heung-min due to a foot injury, relied on 19-year-old loanee Mathys Tel, who tested Santos.
Manager Ange Postecoglou praised the “battling performance,” vital amid Spurs’ 15th-place Premier League position, per The Telegraph. Tottenham, in their first European semi-final since 2019, face Bodo/Glimt on May 1, with 55% trophy odds.
