Tottenham close in on Europa League progress but Ange Postecoglou's urgent need is clear
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Tottenham took a huge step towards the Europa League knockouts with a nervy and entertaining win over Hoffenheim in Germany. James Maddison opened the scoring inside three minutes, racing onto Pedro Porro's pass to finish superbly, and Heung-min Son made it 2-0 with a deflected strike after good work from the England playmaker.
![[Heung-min Son celebrates scoring his second goal for Tottenham against Hoffenheim]](https://static.standard.co.uk/2025/01/23/19/57/SEI237086243.jpg?quality=75&auto=webp&width=960)
Antonin Stach deservedly pulled a goal back for the hosts shortly after the hour but Son restored Spurs' two-goal lead with a cool strike. David Mokwa headed home late on to set up a tense finale but Spurs held on for an important victory. Here are three Spurs talking points from the match...
Spurs did it the hard way again but a nervous win in Germany was a huge step towards a place in the knockouts and, crucially, lessened the prospect of a hugely unwanted two-legged play-off next month. A first win in his competition since October moved Spurs up to fourth in the Europa League table and means they will have a top-eight finish in their hands when they host IF Elfsborg (currently down in 26th) in their final game of the league phase in north London next Thursday.
While the victory was important for morale, particularly as Spurs appeared to come through the match without any obvious new injuries, assuring they do not get dragged into the play-off round could scarcely be more important for Spurs given the dire state of their squad, which was missing no fewer than 14 players on the night.
