Tottenham Hotspur continued their bid to reach the knockout stages of the Europa League with a 2-1 victory over Asteras Tripolis in Group C.
Spurs took a 2-0 lead into the half-time interval in Greece thanks to an Andros Townsend penalty and a header from the in-form Harry Kane.
Asteras responded well in the second half, and were given a lifeline late on when Jeronimo Barrales slotted home from the penalty spot after Federico Fazio had been sent off for a foul on the forward, but the visitors held on for all three points.
Read below to find out how events unfolded.
Hello everyone and welcome to our coverage of Tottenham Hotspur's Europa League clash with Asteras Tripolis in Greece. A victory tonight would hand Mauricio Pochettino's side a big boost as they look to secure a spot in the knockout stages of the competition.
These two sides met just a couple of weeks ago, and there a lot of entertainment at White Hart Lane. Spurs recorded a 5-1 victory, with Harry Kane scoring a hat-trick before finishing the night in goal after Hugo Lloris was sent off. You'd think that would have been enough to steal the headlines, but it was Erik Lamela's fantastic rabona goal which stunned the supporters. Can we hope for similar drama this evening?
Spurs are currently in a good position in Group C following that win over Asteras a fortnight ago. They are second, but Pochettino's side are level on five points with Besiktas. Asteras begin the night on four points, with Partizan Belgrade propping up the group after picking up just a draw so far in their campaign.
ASTERAS: Kosicky, Lluy, Zissopoulou, Sankare, Panteliadis, Tsokanis, Munafo, Usero, Mazza, Rolle, Parra
SPURS: Vorm, Dier, Vertonghen, Fazio, Davies, Stambouli, Dembele, Townsend, Eriksen, Lamela, Kane
Pochettino makes nine changes to his Spurs side following Sunday's 2-1 victory over Aston Villa. The visiting supporters will be delighted to see Kane handed a start in attack. He'll be supported by Erik Lamela, Andros Townsend and Christian Eriksen. Jan Vertonghen captains the side, while Michel Vorm makes his European debut as a replacement for the suspended Lloris. Ederson Tormena, Ritchie Kitoko and Dimitris Kourbelis miss out for the hosts.
As reported earlier this week, Emmanuel Adebayor, Kyle Naughton and club captain Younes Kaboul have all remained in England as Pochettino looks to rest a few players. There are places on the bench for Ryan Mason, Nacer Chadli and Roberto Soldado.
Let's have a quick look at the benches ahead of kickoff.
ASTERAS: Theodoropoulos, Barrales, Fernandez, Bakasetas, Badibanga, Gianniotas, Kyriakopoulos
SPURS: McGee, Rose, Chiriches, Paulinho, Soldado, Chadli, Mason
The lads making their way out to warm-up a short while ago. #COYS pic.twitter.com/Of8wH6Lmzj
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) November 6, 2014
Kane has received plenty of attention recently for his fantastic run of form for Spurs, but Pochettino appears to still be unsure whether the academy graduate is ready to become his side's main attacking threat. Another impressive display tonight will surely see him become a fixture in the Premier League side sooner rather than later.
Victory is certainly the most important thing for Spurs tonight, but there's a few players who will be looking to make a point. Apart from Kane, it could be a very big night for the likes of Andros Townsend and Ben Davies, who are desperate to earn more minutes following a frustrating start to the new campaign.
It would be fair to assume that Spurs are in for a far tougher test than they were given at White Hart Lane two weeks ago. Asteras have played seven home games in European football and are yet to taste defeat on their own turf. Can Spurs destroy that unbeaten record tonight?
The players are out on the pitch now. This ground can hold only 7,000 supporters, but the hosts are certain to make plenty of noise this evening. Asteras manager Staikos Vergetis claimed in his pre-match press conference that this was the biggest game in the club's history.
Everyone appears to be ready at the Theodoros Kolokotronis Stadium. Asteras will get the game underway.
Townsend has started the match on the right wing, with Lamela operating on the other side of the pitch. Spurs are seeing plenty of the ball early on.
Not much action in attacking areas yet, but Spurs are looking sharp in possession. Townsend has been eager to come inside onto his left foot early in the game. As we've seen before, that can often limit the space on offer for Spurs.
A long ball forward threatens to cause problems for the Spurs defence, but Fazio does very well to turn away from Parra. Spurs come close to create an opening of their own until Eriksen's flick sees the move break down.
The early signs suggest that it isn't the greatest playing surface you'll see in the Europa League tonight, with a few awkward bounces making life difficult for the players. Spurs are dominating possession, but they've lost the ball too many times in the final third of the pitch.
Vertonghen is allowed to come forward with the ball, but he's a long way from testing Kosicky with a wayward effort which strikes the fence in front of the Spurs supporters behind the goal. Poor strike from the Belgian defender.
Worrying few seconds for Kosicky when he spills a cross into the box from Townsend. Fortunately for the Asteras goalkeeper, his defence are able to clear the danger before Kane can react.
Neither side are yet to create a chance, despite Tottenham's domination. Asteras enjoy an extended spell in possession, but a lack of numbers in attack allows Spurs to retrieve the ball quickly.
Usero delivers a brilliant cross-field pass to find the run of Mazza, whose first touch allows him to break into the box. However, Dier recovers well to dispossess the winger before he can unleash a shot. Zisopoulos heads wide from the corner which follows.
Davies appeals for penalty after going down in a congested box, but replays show that he probably tripped himself up as he looked to cross. Good decision from the referee.
Dembele has been able to find a few yards of space in midfield on a number of occasions, and the midfielder's clever pass to Davies allows Spurs to win their second corner. Eriksen's attempts to find Dier at the near post end in disappointment as Asteras clear again.
Kane creates an opening for himself with an excellent first touch from Lamela's pass, but an offside flag halts his progress before he can fire at goal from the edge of the box.
Spurs are lacking a cutting edge at the moment. Eriksen has seen plenty of the ball, but he's mostly been involved in deeper positions when the visitors really need him to be close to Kane. Asteras are looking very comfortable in defence.
Kane does very well to drop deep and start a Spurs attack. He cuts in from the right wing to find Lamela, whose powerful strike from the edge of the box is easily saved by Kosicky.
Much better from Spurs as they quicken the pace of their play to get the ball to Dier on the wing. A poor cross prevents them from making further progress, but Spurs do well to retrieve possession moments later. It's going to take a lot of patience from the visitors tonight.
It felt like a David vs. Goliath FA Cup tie before the game, but this match now has the feel of a training session. Spurs are passing the ball around with apparent ease. Asteras are able to send a few players forward for a free kick, but the pressure is taken off the visitors when Munafo fouls Vorm.
Lamela eyes another headline-stealing goal as he leaves one Asteras defender on the floor with a clever turn. However, his end product is poor on this occasion as he sends a shot sailing over the crossbar. Davies was in plenty of space on the left. The pass would have been the better option.
SHOT! It's just a half chance, but Asteras send Spurs a warning. Munafo does well to get to the byline before pulling the ball back for Mazza, who drags an effort wide of the post from 12 yards. Much better from the hosts.
UPDATE: Besiktas have taken the lead against Partizan in tonight's other Group C fixture. The Turkish club are currently top of the group, so that could be a crucial goal tonight. Chances continue to be difficult to come by in Tripoli.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Pochettino make changes at the break. Spurs have lacked quality in the final third of the pitch and the attack may need freshening up. Townsend and Eriksen, in particular, have struggled to get involved in the first half.
PENALTY! Spurs are handed the chance to take the lead when Sankare goes to ground to bring Townsend down with a poor challenge. He got a bit of the ball, but it was a sloppy tackle. The Asteras defender is booked for the foul, too.
GOAL! ASTERAS 0-1 SPURS (TOWNSEND)
Townsend makes no mistake from 12 yards as he drills his penalty past the helpless Kosicky. Can Asteras respond?
A few of the Asteras players have made some frustrated tackles since falling behind, but they can have no arguments with the penalty. Pochettino will be eager for his side to push on from here and get this game wrapped up as quickly as possible.
GOAL! ASTERAS 0-2 SPURS (KANE)
Big goal for Spurs. Townsend finds a yard of space on the left wing and he delivers a high cross into the box for Kane, who rises highest to head home from six yards out. That's his 10th goal of the season in all competitions. He just can't stop scoring!
The game has changed quickly since Townsend switched to the left wing. His game seems to suit playing on his natural side, rather than cutting in from the right. Spurs are in complete control of this match now. Asteras will have to take more risks.
For once, Kane will be delighted to see the offside flag! Dier breaks free on the right wing before delivering a low cross to the back post where Kane somehow manages to strike the crossbar from a couple of yards out. The whistle is blown, and he can't resist a smile.
HALF TIME: ASTERAS 0-2 SPURS
Spurs are on course for three more points in Group C. Asteras put up a good fight for long spells of the first half, but Townsend's penalty and another goal for Kane has handed the control to the visitors. As a result, Asteras must be more positive in the second half, which could suit Spurs.
BENCH WATCH: Pochettino will be happy with where his side are at right now, but he could be thinking of changes soon. Paulinho hasn't played football much recently, so it would be safe to assume we will see him at some point. If Spurs remain in a comfortable position, Soldado may be given a chance to gain confidence late in the game. For Asteras, Jeronimo Barrales seems the obvious option following his lively cameo in a losing cause two weeks ago.
Besiktas are still leading Partizan 1-0, and it wouldn't be a surprise if top spot was decided on goal difference in Group C. At 2-0, Pochettino should see this as an opportunity to record another comfortable win. Asteras will take more risks, which should create more space for the likes of Townsend and Lamela.
It's a big ask for Asteras, but they've shown in this competition that they have the ability to trouble any defence. Can they make it a nervy second half for the Spurs? The next goal will be vital. If Spurs get it, the game will be over.
SUBSTITUTION: The players are back out on the pitch for the second half. Pochettino has made a change, with Soldado coming on to replace Lamela. Spurs will get the game back underway.
CHANCE! Asteras should have pulled a goal back. The hosts are on the front foot in the first minute of the second half as Tsokanis breaks free of Dier, but he can only shoot wide with Vorm looking helpless. Moments later, Rolle curls wide from the edge of the box.
Asteras have made a very promising start to the second half. It's Spurs who have been put under pressure in the past couple of minutes, with Vertonghen making a vital clearance in the box.
Clever play from Eriksen to earn a yard of space on the edge of the box, but he's denied a goal when his low strike is well held by Kosicky.
Townsend sets his sights on another goal when Eriksen picks the winger out 25 yards from goal. However, the winger, who was included in the England squad earlier today, drags a poor effort wide of the target.
CHANCE! Vertonghen fails to deal with a long ball forward as Parra nudges his opponent out of the way, before drilling wide of the target from inside the box. It should have been a goal. Asteras will surely regret not taking one of these chances.
CHANCE! Incredible. Asteras miss another opportunity. Parra is the offender once again as he turns Fazio in the box and fires over from a great position. What a waste! Vorm has not even been troubled by any of these efforts.
Spurs cannot continue to gift Asteras chances. They're lucky to still be 2-0 ahead, and have been caught out by the ball into the channel on too many occasions. Will Pochettino consider changing anything soon?
Spurs survive another spell of Asteras pressure as Kane comes back into his own six-yard box to clear a dangerous corner. A promising attack comes to a halt at the other end when Townsend fails to control a pass from Kane.
SUBSTITUTION: Asteras make their first change as Belgian winger Ziguy Badibanga comes off the bench to replace Tsokanis.
Spurs work the ball well to create space for Townsend on the wing. His cross into the box finds Kane, whose effort takes a deflection on its way into the safe hands of Kosicky.
SUBSTITUTION: It looked like Chadli would come on for the visitors, but Pochettino has changed his mind and it's Mason who replaces Eriksen.
More good football from Asteras as Munafo delivers a clever ball into the box for Sankare, whose weak header is well saved by Vorm. The hosts appeal for a penalty moments later, but Usero didn't need much invitation to god down under pressure from Davies.
WOODWORK! How have Asteras not scored? The ball sits up perfectly for Mazza on the edge of the box, but the home side's frustration continues as he strikes the post with a brilliant half-volley.
It's Tottenham who look the more nervous of the two sides now as they give the ball away a couple of times in midfield. Pochettino's side are still in control, but Asteras will fancy their chances if they can reduce the deficit soon.
Townsend makes a great run on the left, but Kane's attempted through ball is blocked by Sankare. Spurs need to retain possession better in the final third of the pitch as they look to kill off this determined Asteras challenge.
Mazza does well on the left to pick out Parra in the box, but the forward's first touch is poor, which allows Spurs to pack the penalty area with defenders. He attempts to give the ball back to Mazza, who is caught in an offside position.
SHOT! Soldado picks the right pass to play in Kane, whose hopes of creating a chance for himself are ended by a poor bounce. The ball breaks loose to Soldado, but his powerful volley drifts a yard wide of the post.
Superb from Dembele and Townsend as the former creates space in midfield to deliver a good pass to the left wing for his teammate. Townsend's cross into the box is very good, but Soldado is unable to make up the ground to add the finishing touch.
SUBSTITUTION: Pochettino uses his final change to take off Kane and bring on Paulinho. Will Kane be given the start when Spurs meet Stoke City on Sunday?
The Asteras challenge has faded in the past few minutes. Spurs are dominating possession once again, and the extra body in the centre of midfield is making it difficult for the hosts to start attacks. Just 10 minutes plus stoppage time remaining.
SUBSTITUTION: Giannis Gianniotas is introduced for the hosts as Munafo makes way for his attacking teammate.
Badibanga does very well to hold off the advances of Davies in the box, but his effort from a tight angle is wild as his teammates send a few accusing glares his way.
YELLOW CARD! Mason is cautioned for a foul on Gianniotas as the Asteras substitute wins a free kick in a dangerous position. Barrales is then sent on to replace Parra.
SAVE! Asteras elect to take the free kick short and they do well to get the ball into the box, but Panteliadis is left frustrated as Vorm makes a good save to keep out his powerful half-volley. Badibanga then fires over from the edge of the box.
SAVE! Vorm is forced into action for the second time to get behind Badibanga's clever flick after Gianniotas had seen his strike deflected on the edge of the box. Good goalkeeping from the Dutchman.
RED CARD! Fazio is off for the second time in his Spurs career as he gifts the hosts a penalty. Barrales looked set to shoot at goal, but he decided to go down in the box following contact from Fazio. It didn't take much for him to go down, in truth, but the decision goes the right way for the hosts.
GOAL! ASTERAS 1-2 SPURS (BARRALES)
Barrales gives Asteras a chance in the final minute of normal time with a weak penalty which manages to just beat the diving Vorm. There will be four minutes of added time.
CHANCE! As expected, Asteras are piling on the pressure. A couple of crosses cause problems for the Spurs defence, before Badibanga eventually sends a header just wide.
Can Spurs cling on? A long ball forward is too strong for Barrales as the visitors earn a few seconds of rest. Soldado's effort at the other end is deflected behind for a corner. Spurs are almost there now.
FULL TIME: ASTERAS 1-2 SPURS
At half time, it looked like Spurs would be cruising to victory thanks to Townsend's penalty and a header from Kane. However, an impressive response from Asteras made this a difficult night for Pochettino's side. A late Barrales penalty proves to be just a consolation as Spurs hold on for all three points.
That's all from me tonight. I hope you've enjoyed our coverage of this Group C contest, but if you've not had enough of the Europa League, our live commentary of Everton vs. Lille has started. Goodnight.
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Callum Mulvihill
