A defensive masterclass! Tottenham edge past Eintracht Frankfurt in Europa League thanks to solid back line and Dominic Solanke penalty in vital win for Ange Postecoglou

Spurs headed to the Waldstadion to take on Frankfurt in the second leg of the quarter-final tie following a 1-1 first-leg draw at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Ange Postecoglou knew that the European competition could be his saving grace this season due to their terrible showing on the domestic stage so far.

Frankfurt dominated the first 15 minutes of the clash as the Bundesliga side dominated possession but failed to make their dominance count, only threatening Guglielmo Vicario once on the counter before Micky van de Ven's clutch last-man challenge. Spurs slowly grew into the game through the first half and did not allow the hosts to capitalise, and just before the half, they found their chance after James Maddison was horrifically wiped out by Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos in the box. After a brief VAR check, Spurs were awarded a penalty, but Santos was only shown a yellow card for the horror challenge. Dominic Solanke was calm under pressure and slotted his penalty into Frankfurt's goal to give them a first-half lead before Maddison had to be subbed off.

The second half started with Postecoglou's men holding their own to an early onslaught by Frankfurt before, similar to the first half, they grew into the clash. Spurs were unable to challenge Santos with their numerous chances, but their rock-solid defence allowed them to take a 1-0 win and book their spot in the Europa League semi-final.

After a shaky start to the game, Tottenham's defence was their saving grace in a game of very tight margins. Spurs captain Cristian Romero led his defensive line of Van de Ven, Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie to a strong showing against the threat posed by Frankfurt's attack, which was led by Manchester United target Hugo Ekitike. Spurs keeper Vicario only had to make one major save despite Frankfurt dominating proceedings with the ball.

The clash against Tottenham was supposed to be Ekitike's big audition for all the Premier League sides showing interest in signing the striker this summer. However, the French international failed to turn up in the second leg of the clash, and despite his goal in the first leg, the 22-year-old failed to make a good impression towards potential buyers. Ekitike had his big chance in the first 20 minutes as he found himself through on Vicario's goal before Van de Ven stopped his progress with a delightful tackle.

Tottenham are now set to take on Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-final after the Norwegian side defeated Lazio on penalties after a 3-3 draw on aggregate. However, before that, Postecoglou's side will have to shift their focus towards their Premier League clashes against Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.