Tottenham Hotspur knew that beating RB Leipzig across two legs was going to be difficult under normal circumstances, but following recent injuries to Harry Kane and Son Heung-min, it suddenly became a lot harder. In the end they were not only unable to score, but they also couldn’t prevent Leipzig from taking home both the win and a vital away goal.
Spurs will probably feel a little bit fortunate that they aren’t out of the tie altogether after Leipzig came forward with a whole lot of purpose from the first minute until the very last.
Not good enough
The only reason why the visitors didn’t score more is due to the overwhelming quality of keeper Hugo Lloris who continues to reign supreme as one of the best goalkeepers in world football. Alas, he was unable to keep out Timo Werner’s second half penalty that ensured Leipzig got what they came for.
Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho was understandably disappointed after his side’s first leg defeat.
“You can say we had luck in some moments, but a great goalkeeper made two magnificent saves.
“I’m not worried with the 1-0 – we can go there and win. What worries me is that these are our players for the next however many matches.
“Moura was absolutely dead, Bergwijn was absolutely dead, Lo Celso was absolutely dead.
Honesty rules all
“We are really in trouble. If it was just this game I’d say no problem but we have FA Cup and Premier League games.”
RB Leipzig manager Julian Nagelsmann had the following to say after the big win.
“It’s always important not to let in goals. We always try to attack the opponents very early and try to win the ball high up in their half.
“Today, in the second half, we tried to create a bit more of a counter. It’s normal that we would have to defend a bit deeper later on, at only 1-0.
“It’s a great stadium. The first ten minutes were very noisy, very loud. In the end, it was a pleasure to be part of this game and I’m glad we have the win.”
Match Report
Tottenham: Lloris (7), Davies (6), Alderweireld (6.5), Sanchez (7.5), Aurier (6.5), Bergwijn (6.5), Winks (7), Lo Celso (7.5), Fernandes (6), Alli (6), Moura (6.5), Ndombele (7), Lamela (6.5)
RB Leipzig: Gulacsi (8), Klostermann (7), Ampadu (7.5), Halstenberg (7), Mukiele (7), Laimer (6.5), Sabitzer (6.5), Angelino (7.5), Nkunku (7), Werner (7.5), Schick (7), Forsberg (6), Haidara (6), Poulsen (6.5)
Referee: Cüneyt Çakir
Goals: Werner
Yellow Cards: Davies, Lo Celso, Lamela, Sabitzer, Nkunku, Werner
Red Cards: N/A
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