The rain did little to dampen the spirits at the Ferencvaros Stadion as the hosts got off to a bright start against the Premier League side who rested several key players including James Maddison, Dominic Solanke, and Micky van de Ven. They took just 16 minutes to beat Guglielmo Vicario between the sticks as Barnabass Varga diagonally headed down to beat the keeper in what looked like a poacher's finish. However, after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was chalked off as the forward's knee was deemed to be just offside.
After an almighty let-off, Spurs found the net in the 23rd minute, almost against the run of play, with Sarr slotting in from close range after the Ferencvaros defence failed to clear their lines. The goal boosted the morale of the visitors as they started to show more control and character while going forward with the ball. They could have had a penalty in their favour after Matheus Saldanha stuck out a leg to trip Pedro Porro but VAR decided otherwise.
The referee had to briefly stop the play after action resumed in the second half as Ferencvaros ultras lit up flares which engulfed the stadium in thick smoke. After the restart, Spurs resumed their dominance and Werner had a golden opportunity to double the advantage but the striker fluffed his lines in a one-on-one situation, much to the dismay of a frustrated Ange Postecoglou.
The Australian introduced Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Johnson in his search for the insurance goal and the manager's choice paid off. Four minutes from regulation time, Moore found Johnson at the edge of the penalty box and the forward took a touch to his left and then curled a measured effort that hit the bottom of the post and went in. Despite conceding late, the hosts did not allow their heads to drop and reduced the deficit through Varga in what ended up being only a consolation goal.