Tottenham Edge Villarreal 1-0 as Thomas Frank Celebrates Winning Champions League Debut
Story: Written by Uzuh Rita September 17,2025
Tottenham Hotspur began their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Villarreal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, as new head coach Thomas Frank marked his first game in Europe’s top competition with a win.
The decisive moment came inside the opening four minutes when Villarreal defender Luiz Junior accidentally diverted a low cross from Lucas Bergvall into his own net, gifting Spurs the lead in front of a lively home crowd. The goal also set a new record for Tottenham’s fastest strike in the Champions League.
Spurred on by the early breakthrough, the North London side dominated much of the first half and looked likely to extend their advantage. However, after the interval, Villarreal grew into the contest, forcing Tottenham to rely on defensive discipline to protect their narrow lead.
Despite the Spanish side’s late pressure, Frank’s men held firm to secure all three points, ensuring a positive start to their European campaign. The win also gave Thomas Frank a memorable beginning to life on the Champions League stage, as Spurs eye progression from the group phase.
