The Spanish full-back's equaliser came soon after the in-demand Frenchman's superb opener on a boisterous night in north London
Tottenham Hotspur could only manage a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final with Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday night, with question marks still remaining of Ange Postecoglou's long-term future.
Even though the Premier League have been awarded an extra Champions League place, Spurs' only viable route to Europe's top table for 2025-26 comes via Europa League glory this term, given they sit 14th in the standings. Postecoglou's job is reportedly dependent on delivering this trophy and may feel disappointed his side didn't take advantage of their home leg, particularly given they had the better of the chances on the night.
Before Spurs could barely set themselves, Frankfurt broke the deadlock. James Maddison turned the ball over in midfield and the visitors were able to move the ball upfield, with the in-form Hugo Ekitike able to carry the ball 30 yards towards goal cut inside from the left and pick out the bottom corner of Guglielmo Vicario's net with a piercing low drive inside five minutes.
But Tottenham hauled themselves off the canvas in some style midway through the first half. Son Heung-min's ball into the channel found Dominic Solanke, who held it up for Maddison to attack the left side of the Frankfurt defence. He scampered to the byline and cut it back for Pedro Porro to flick in with deft precision.
After the break, the hosts nearly edged themselves in front in stunning fashion. Lucas Bergvall dropped his shoulder away from several chasing bodies and let fly from 25 yards, only for his effort to cannon back off the crossbar. Kaua Santos then made a stunning save to deny Son's top corner-bound strike soon after, and Rodrigo Bentancur's header from the following corner smacked the upright.
Another opportunity for Spurs came and went when Maddison weaved his way inside from the right and forced another save out of Santos, while Djed Spence's low cross for Brennan Johnson ended up in row Z.
With one final attack in stoppage time, Tottenham nearly snatched the win. Porro's in-swinging free-kick found Rodrigo Bentancur, whose flick on was headed towards goal by Micky van de Ven and tipped over the bar by Santos.
GOAL rates Spurs' players from Tottenham Hotspur Stadium…
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Guglielmo Vicario (6/10):
For once, Spurs' goalkeeper endured a fairly quiet evening, if only after Ekitike had put Frankfurt ahead.
Pedro Porro (7/10):
Came up with an exquisite finish to pull Spurs level in the first half. Somehow had more joy with his cross-field pings than his shorter passing.
Cristian Romero (6/10):
Often found himself pushing into midfield and attack with his aggressive nature, leaving Tottenham exposed to counter attacks. Perhaps this was offset by his bravery passing from the back.
Micky van de Ven (7/10):
While his centre-back partner was happy enough to vacate space for the Frankfurt players to run into, Van de Ven spared his blushes with a series of last-ditch tackles. Matched Ekitike well after the Frenchman's early goal.
Destiny Udogie (6/10):
Manchester City's latest target hurried himself upfield without too much substance to add. Wasted several good crossing opportunities though at least panicked the frantic Rasmus Kristensen and was defensively astute. Subbed off with a minor injury for Spence late on.
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Rodrigo Bentancur (6/10):
Didn't provide enough cover for the defence, nor adequate ball-carrying and passing expertise to pick the Frankfurt lock. Was a handy target on set pieces, which made him useful.
Lucas Bergvall (6/10):
One of Tottenham's only success stories this season has been the rapid development of 19-year-old Bergvall, who started the campaign easily muscled out of games but now imposes himself on them at will. Desperately unlucky not to have scored, with a 25-yard strike crashing back off the bar.
James Maddison (6/10):
Fingers will be pointed at Maddison for Frankfurt's opener having lost the ball, but Spurs still had another 70 yards to stop Ekitike before that goal went in. Atoned for any error with a fine assist for Porro. Many of Spurs' best moves came through Maddison before he was withdrawn for Sarr.
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Brennan Johnson (4/10):
Never got into the game, and to be harsh, never looked like wanting to, spending far too much time hidden behind defenders and shying away from the ball.
Dominic Solanke (5/10):
Another selfless display from the striker despite his recent struggles in front of goal, running the channels well and bringing others into play, which notably led to Porro's equaliser. A bit of sharper thinking may have opened up some more chances, with his final action a late pass for Tel when bearing down on goal. Given a late rest for Richarlison.
Son Heung-min (4/10):
If Postecoglou could have this game back, he would (or should, anyway) probably instruct Spurs not to get Son dribbling at his man. Way too easily dispossessed in that regard and was seldom a threat in crucial areas. Taken off for Tel.
Subs & Manager
Mathys Tel (5/10):
Fumed that Solanke was unable to find him when free at the back post on the break.
Djed Spence (6/10):
Created a chance for Johnson almost immediately after coming on.
Pape Matar Sarr (5/10):
Brought in to provide fresh legs in a tiring midfield.
Richarlison (N/A):
Given a late runout on his return from injury.
Ange Postecoglou (6/10):
There was some questionable defending, as there always has been with Postecoglou's Tottenham, but they did enough to win the game.
