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The Tottenham boss enjoyed a winning Champions League bow thanks to a calamitous blunder by their rivals shot-stopper Luiz Junior.

Uncontested, the keeper mishandled a Spurs player's delivery into his own net, giving Spurs a dream beginning.

It marked former Brentford manager the coach's first time in the event, but Spurs lived dangerously at moments before the half.

A crucial challenge by Micky van de Ven denied one-time Arsenal attacker Nicolas Pepe from finding the net, while Tajon Buchanan sent a shot off target.

However an excellent stop by the keeper denied Spurs from adding a second when he kept out Sarr's effort.

Villarreal pushed forward in the latter period, but Tottenham held strong to repel them.

The forward should have improved with a opportunity as Tottenham looked for a second goal, but ultimately it was superfluous.

Review: Tottenham Unconvincing but Defence Stands Out

This was the outcome Tottenham desired on their return to the European stage, but it was far from a ideal showing.

Junior's unfortunate blunder provided the home crowd excited and could have been the base for a commanding display, but that did not happen.

The team's opening to the term has been notable, with remarkable victories against one opponent and the champions, but there was also a worrying display in a defeat to Bournemouth.

They showed more parallels to that game with a few poor passages of play and loose passes whenever they advanced.

Nevertheless, their defending was resolute with the defender and Rodrigo Bentancur making crucial tackles, especially in the final period.

The win means the club are now unbeaten in their last 21 matches at home in Uefa competitions.

Star Performer

Number: 37 the defender

Performance: 7.49

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Related Topics

• European Football
• Spurs
• Soccer