Solanke’s goal progresses Tottenham to Europa League semi-finals

Dominic Solanke’s first-half penalty secured Tottenham Hotspur’s progression to the semi-finals of the Europa League, as they triumphed over Eintracht Frankfurt.

The result came after a tense 1-1 draw in the first leg, with Spurs facing intense pressure throughout the match in Frankfurt.

As the first half neared its end, Tottenham were awarded a penalty when Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos misjudged a long ball and collided with James Maddison in his attempt to claim the ball. Solanke calmly converted from the spot, giving Spurs a vital advantage.
Maddison’s team-mates were incensed when referee Davide Massa failed to award a spot-kick, though he changed his decision after a video assistant referee (VAR) review and booked Santos.

Solanke stepped up to take the spot-kick – Postecoglou appeared to indicate he wanted the striker to take it – and stroked the ball down the middle as Santos dived to the left.

Maddison – who initially continued after receiving treatment – was replaced in first-half stoppage time by Dejan Kulusevski.

Spurs struggled to keep the ball in central areas after losing the England midfielder, and spent the first 15 minutes of the second half repelling wave after wave of Frankfurt attacks.

Though the hosts dominated possession after the break, Tottenham threatened on the counter-attack and from set-pieces.

Cristian Romero headed narrowly wide from a corner just after the hour mark, before Rodrigo Bentancur headed over from a similar situation.

Guglielmo Vicario produced a magnificent save with his legs to keep out Fares Chaibi from close range as Eintracht upped the pressure, before Leeds loanee Rasmus Kristensen dragged wide with the goal gaping following a cut-back.

Tottenham will face either Lazio or Bodo/Glimt in the final four.