Tottenham Hotspur booked their place in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday, sealing a 2-1 aggregate victory. The triumph, powered by a Dominic Solanke penalty late in the first half, offered a much-needed boost for Spurs in what has been one of their most challenging domestic campaigns in decades.
Under mounting pressure and widespread speculation about his future, head coach Ange Postecoglou praised his players for maintaining their belief in his philosophy. Despite the scrutiny and setbacks throughout the season, the squad showed resilience and control in a crucial away fixture that could have defined the manager’s tenure.
The Australian tactician has often been candid about the challenges he’s faced since taking charge, particularly amid poor league form. Yet following Thursday’s result, he spoke with renewed optimism, crediting his team for sticking to the plan and staying united.
“Our fans have been through a tough time. Hopefully this gives them something to look forward to,” Postecoglou said after the match. “I’m the same coach that I was yesterday. The players have never lost belief. People like to mock and diminish my achievements, but I’ll leave that there.”
Spurs took control of the game after taking the lead, displaying composure and maturity that has often eluded them this season. The narrow victory marked a rare moment of success in a campaign plagued by inconsistency, but one that now carries the potential for a triumphant ending.
Dominic Solanke, who stepped up to convert the decisive penalty, had not scored since January. His goal not only secured a place in the final four but also marked a personal breakthrough. Speaking after the match, the striker emphasized the emotional weight of the win.
“It’s been a difficult season for all of us, but now we’ve got a chance to go on and win something, which would be magnificent,” Solanke said. “On our day we can beat anyone. I think this is what we live for, these big games and these big moments.”
He was confident in the squad’s ability to go all the way, expressing strong belief that the team is “100 percent” capable of lifting the trophy a feat that would end Tottenham’s long wait for silverware, their last major triumph being the League Cup in 2008.
Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario echoed those sentiments, underlining the team’s solidarity and commitment to the manager. Despite the turbulent season, the Italian shot-stopper noted that the squad remained tightly knit and motivated to finish on a high.
“Everyone has suffered a lot this season. It’s been a tough one but we’re still alive and we want to fight for something special,” Vicario said. “The job is not done but it’s a big win for Tottenham Hotspur, for everyone the boss, us players, the staff, and the fans.”
Tottenham now prepare to face Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt in the semi-finals. On the opposite side of the bracket, Manchester United and Athletic Bilbao will battle for a place in the final. With renewed belief, Spurs will be looking to build on this momentum and write a memorable end to what has been an otherwise forgettable season.
