January 21, (THEWILL) — Tottenham Hotspur defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at home to maintain their flawless European record this season and climb to fourth in the UEFA Champions League standings. Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke both scored their maiden goals in the competition, giving Spurs a vital victory with one fixture remaining.
Romero opened the scoring in the 13th minute after Dortmund failed to deal with Pedro Porro’s corner. Wilson Odobert collected the loose ball and sent a low cross into the penalty area, where the defender finished first time past Gregor Kobel. The visitors’ task grew harder when Daniel Svensson received a red card for a high challenge on Odobert, with the initial yellow upgraded following a VAR check.
Odobert turned provider again before half-time, driving forward and laying the ball off to Solanke. The striker stumbled over his own feet but managed to scuff an unconventional finish in off the far post, marking his first start of the campaign with a goal. Julian Ryerson came closest for the German side, curling a free-kick narrowly wide, whilst Xavi Simons tested Kobel at the near post from a tight angle.
Late opportunities arose for both teams. Randal Kolo Muani raced through on goal but fired straight at Kobel when well-placed to extend the lead. Nico Schlotterbeck threatened at the other end, only for Guglielmo Vicario to produce an outstanding save to preserve the clean sheet.
Thomas Frank continues to face growing questions over Tottenham’s domestic form following a 2-1 home loss to West Ham last weekend. Yet this European triumph keeps Spurs firmly in contention for a top-eight finish, easing some of the mounting pressure on the manager.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
