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| ReutersYonhap News |
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| ReutersYonhap News |
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Tottenham is now showing a new soccer. It has changed from the days of Enze Postecoglou.
Tottenham won 1-0 in the first game of the European Champions League (UCL) league stage in the 2025-2026 season against Villarreal at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England on the 17th (Korea time).
Tottenham was the best stage in Europe to return for the first time in three years since the 2022-2023 season. Winning the Europa League with manager Enze Postecoglou allowed him to return to the UCL despite finishing 17th in the league last season. Fans' attention was paid to it because it was the first game where both expectations and concerns were mixed.
Tottenham played in a 4-3-3 formation. Mohammed Kudus, Hishalisson, Xavi Simmons were on the front line, and Lucas Beribal, Rodrigo Bentancur and Papesar were on the midfield. The defense was made up of Pedro Porro, Christian Romero, Mickey Panderpen and Jed Spence. The goal was guarded by Guglielmo Vicario.
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Tottenham led the game from the first half. In the fourth minute of the first half, opposing goalkeeper Junior missed the ball while Hishalisson was trying to get Beribal's cross, and the ball went straight into the goal, resulting in a lucky own goal. Tottenham have gone out of their way to widen the gap. Sarr's shot in the 31st minute of the first half was blocked by good defense and swallowed the disappointment.
Villarreal didn't back down either. In the 12th minute of the first half, Nicolas Pepe's curl went a little over the post. In the 10th minute of the second half, Pepe once again aimed for Tottenham's goal, but a low and fast shot flowed to the side of the net. Tottenham also looked for an opportunity for an additional goal. In the 27th minute of the second half, Hishalisson finished Kudus' cross at the gate, but the ball went out of the goal line.
Villarreal missed even the last chance to tie the game. In the 41st minute of the second half, Pepe finished the free-kick opportunity in front of Tottenham's penalty box with a kicker, and the ball flew to the side of the goal. In the end, the game ended with Tottenham's 1-0 victory.
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Tottenham showed outstanding practical choices for the game. The number of shots was 9 to 10, allowing more shots, but no shot on target was ever allowed. Leading the game, he calmly beat Villarreal. There was also a mercenary technique that was not found during Postecoglou's time. Instead of ordering an additional attack at the end of the second half, coach Frank chose to put Kevin Danso in to protect it.
The BBC in England also noted Tottenham's choice. The BBC evaluated 'Tottenham's clean sheet mentality, pragmatism proved to be Tottenham's core'
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The BBC said: `Last season Tottenham aimed to score more goals, but now they are focused on blocking their opponents' goals. It is different from when Postecoglou was in charge last season. The style of Tottenham, led by Frank, in the match against Villarreal is in stark contrast to the cheerful football that Postecoglou commanded. Their defense was excellent, especially when Panderpen stopped most of Villarreal's attacks. The price for pragmatism was that Tottenham themselves only had one shot on target.
Veribal also "We talked a lot about clean sheet mentality this year"They didn't shoot well, and we really did a good job." Mickey Panderpen also "We're a tough team to play against. It's a strong team in organizational power, and it's a tough team to beat."
Tottenham, who showed a completely different team, showed a performance to win as a defense, not as an attack. Despite the somewhat disappointing attack, the victory based on a solid defense can bring another joy to fans.
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
