Tottenham Hotspur’s place in this season’s Champions League comes under unusual circumstances. After a disappointing domestic campaign that saw them finish 17th in the Premier League, their route into Europe’s top competition was secured through an unlikely but impressive Europa League triumph.
Now under Thomas Frank, Spurs are looking to rebuild their identity and prove they belong among the continent’s elite.
It’s been a campaign of mixed performances so far, but also one that shows signs of a side learning quickly under new leadership. With eight points from their opening four matches, Spurs have laid a solid foundation, but it’s the details that will define how far they can go.
You can follow their progress and keep up with the latest markets on Virgin Bet.
Villareal: 1-0
Tottenham opened their campaign with a controlled 1–0 win over Villarreal, a result that looked tidy on paper but owed much to a moment of fortune.
The only goal of the match came from a disastrous defensive error, when an effort from Lucas Bergvall slipped through the hands of goalkeeper Luiz Junior, and rolled agonisingly over the goal line.
Despite the lead, Spurs were far from comfortable. Villarreal posed several real threats in search of an equaliser, with multiple efforts flashing just wide of the post. Tottenham’s defensive organisation held firm, but there were nervy moments late on, as the Spanish side applied pressure with intent.
Bodo/Glimt: 2-2
Tottenham’s second group-stage fixture brought them to the Arctic Circle and face-to-face with Bodo/Glimt – one of the smallest clubs to reach this level, but a side with a growing habit of leaving Europe’s giants out in the cold. And for much of the match, that’s exactly what they did.
Spurs found themselves 2–0 down before 70 minutes, caught out by Bodo’s high-intensity transitions and fearless attacking approach.
To their credit, Tottenham clawed their way back. A powerful finish from Micky van de Ven sparked the fightback, before Richarlison levelled the score with a composed strike inside the box. While a win eluded them, the comeback showed character and resilience in tough conditions.
Monaco: 0-0
Tottenham’s third group-stage fixture, a 0–0 draw with AS Monaco, was a match defined by missed chances and narrow escapes. A draw may suggest control, but in truth, Spurs were second-best for long spells and fortunate to come away with a point.
Monaco created several clear-cut opportunities, especially in the second half, but their finishing let them down. Tottenham struggled to impose rhythm in midfield, and defensive gaps repeatedly left them exposed.
The difference was Guglielmo Vicario, who delivered a very impressive performance. The Italian goalkeeper made a string of vital saves to keep Monaco out and preserved a result that keeps Spurs unbeaten, if not entirely convincing.
Copenhagen: 4-0
Tottenham rounded off their fourth group-stage match with a commanding 4–0 win over FC Copenhagen, their most complete performance of the campaign so far.
Brennan Johnson, Wilson Odobert, and Joao Palhinha were all on the scoresheet, as Spurs capitalised on a vulnerable Copenhagen back line. Despite Johnson receiving a red card, Thomas Frank’s side remained dominant.
But the highlight — and the moment that had fans and pundits talking — came with Tottenham’s third goal, scored by Micky van de Ven. Picking up the ball just outside his own penalty area, the centre-back surged forward, driving through midfield with pace and purpose. He glided past multiple defenders before unleashing a powerful strike from the edge of the box that flew into the bottom corner. It is already being labelled by many as an early contender for Goal of the Season.
