Tottenham boosted their Champions League last-16 hopes with a 3-0 win over Slavia Prague in an emotional night marking Son Heung-min’s return
LONDON: Tottenham bolstered their bid to qualify for the Champions League last 16 with a 3-0 win over Slavia Prague in front of their former star Son Heung-min.
Thomas Frank’s side eased to a valuable victory in north London thanks to David Zima’s first-half own goal and penalties from Mohammed Kudus and Xavi Simons after the interval.
Buoyed by Saturday’s much-needed home victory over Brentford in the Premier League, Tottenham made it two successive wins in front of their own fans.
Tottenham are up to ninth place in the league phase ahead of their final matches against Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt in January.
The top eight automatically reach the last 16, with teams from ninth to 24th going into the play-offs.
“Very happy with the win. We are in a strong position to progress,” Frank said.
It was an emotional night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as Son returned to say an official goodbye after his summer move to Los Angeles FC.
The 33-year-old addressed the fans who idolised him before kick-off and was presented with a memento during an emotional on-pitch ceremony.
“Good to see him. I’m happy at the well deserved reception he got. A true Tottenham legend returning home,” Frank added.
Tottenham took the lead after 26 minutes when Pedro Porro’s corner was flicked on by Cristian Romero and Zima inadvertently headed into his own net.
The home side doubled their lead in the 48th minute as Porro was felled by Youssoupha Sanyang’s reckless foul.
Captain Romero stepped in and Kudus instead tucked away the penalty for his third goal for the club.
Simons wrapped up the points in the 79th minute when he scored from the spot after being fouled by Igoh Ogbu. – AFP
