Key events
Show key events only
Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature
Thomas Frank speaks to Amazon Prime. “We are just waiting … let’s get the show started … I’m very humble about it … very privileged to stand here today … hopefully a good performance and a win … happy for this opportunity … we have had a good start … must be consistent … level-headed in good times and bad times … I will suck in [the atmosphere] but when the whistle goes it’s boom … I am looking forward to seeing the team … we try to use the squad … Lucas Bergvall was really good against West Ham … give a young player momentum … it’s nice to have good options … we teach players to be considered and calm.”
Share
Spurs captain Cristian Romero has been doing what he does, telling it like he sees it. “I did a lot of interviews which seemed like I was talking badly about people inside the club but in the end I’m a person who sometimes makes mistakes and that’s it. I always want the best for the club.”
Share
Tottenham make two changes to the side that started the 3-0 Premier League win at West Ham. Rodrigo Bentancur replaces João Palhinha in midfield, the latter dropping to the bench. Meanwhile Mathys Tel isn’t in Tottenham’s Champions League squad, so his place up front is taken by Richarlison. Xavi Simons makes his home debut.
Villarreal are captained by defender Juan Foyth, who made 16 Premier League appearances for Spurs between 2017 and 2020. The Yellow Submarine have won five of their last seven European fixtures, and their last two away games in the Champions League group/league phase. Manor Solomon, on loan from Spurs, is eligible to face his parent club and is on the bench.
Share
Updated at 19.03 BST
The teams
Tottenham Hotspur: Vicario, Porro, Romero, van de Ven, Spence, Sarr, Bentancur, Bergvall, Kudus, Richarlison, Simons.
Subs: Kinsky, Austin, Danso, Joao Palhinha, Udogie, Gray, Johnson, Odobert, Davies, Muani, Scarlett, Byfield.
Villarreal: Junior, Mourino, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona, Buchanan, Comesana, Gueye, Pepe, Mikautadze, Perez.
Subs: Navarro, Pedraza, Oluwaseyi, Moleiro, Partey, Akhomach, Parejo, Solomon, Marin, Conde, Tenas, Altimira.
Referee: Rade Obrenovic (Slovenia).
Come on you Spuds etc etc. Photograph: Tom Jenkins/The GuardianShare
Updated at 19.46 BST
Villarreal have made it to the semi-finals twice in their short European history. (They only made their continental debut in 2002.) On both occasions English opposition did for them: Arsenal beat them in 2006, while Liverpool survived a second-leg scare in 2022.
Spurs have been at it a whole lot longer, and reached the semi-finals on debut in 1962, losing out to Eusébio’s Benfica. They’ve made it as far as the final on one occasion, in 2019, but let’s not dwell on their no-show against Liverpool; instead let’s reminisce about the performance that got them there, that comeback against Ajax. Erik ten Hag was never quite the same once Lucas Moura was finished with him.
Share
Preamble
Tottenham Hotspur’s bonus prize for winning last season’s Europa League begins here. They open their Champions League campaign against the 2021 Europa League winners Villarreal. The two clubs can share their war stories of seeing off Manchester United later, but for now there’s a match to be played. The first meeting of the pair kicks off at 8pm UK time. It’s on!
Share