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Spurs' manager savored a successful Champions League first outing thanks to a disastrous error by Villarreal shot-stopper the keeper.

With minimal challenge, the Villarreal player mishandled the midfielder's ball into the goal, handing the home team a dream opening.

This was previously Brentford manager the coach's first match in the event, but his Tottenham side lived dangerously at points before the interval.

Only a intervention by the defender prevented ex-Arsenal attacker the forward from curling in, while Buchanan fired a shot astray.

However an excellent stop by the keeper kept out Tottenham from getting a second when he blocked Sarr's shot.

The visitors applied pressure in the second half, but Tottenham held strong to keep out them.

The Brazilian should have done better with a headed chance as the team looked for a security goal, but in the end it was not needed.

Analysis: Spurs Unconvincing but Defence Impresses

This represented the outcome the club desired on their reappearance to the European stage, but it was hardly a flawless display.

The keeper's unfortunate mistake got the home crowd going and could have been the foundation for a dominant showing, but that was not the case.

Spurs' beginning to the season has been impressive, with remarkable victories against the Hammers and the champions, but there was also a disappointing result in a defeat to the Cherries.

There were more parallels to that game with several sloppy phases of play and sloppy passes whenever they advanced.

Nevertheless, their defensive work was strong with Van de Ven and another player making crucial tackles, especially in the final period.

Victory means Spurs are now undefeated in their last 21 fixtures in their stadium in Uefa competitions.

Star Performer

Number: 37 the defender

Score: 7.49

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Connected Subjects

• European Football
• Tottenham Hotspur
• Soccer