Tottenham Hotspur and Eintracht Frankfurt played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final, a result that extended Tottenham’s unbeaten home run in European competition to 19 matches.
This match was the first European knockout meeting between the two sides since the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1982, when Spurs won the first leg 2-0 at home.
However, Frankfurt took an early lead in this encounter, scoring in the sixth minute. After James Maddison lost possession, Ellyes Skhiri set up Hugo Ekitike, who scored with a powerful shot.
Tottenham responded well to going behind. Dominic Solanke had a header saved, and Brennan Johnson headed just over the bar. Their pressure paid off in the 26th minute when Solanke found Maddison, who then assisted Pedro Porro for a clever flicked finish.
The first half ended with Tottenham on top, but unable to add to their score.
The second half was an open affair, with both Destiny Udogie and Jean-Matteo Bahoya threatening, but ultimately being denied by good defending.
Tottenham created the better chances, with Lucas Bergvall hitting the crossbar and Kaua Santos making a good save from Son Heung-min.
Santos was called into action again, denying Rodrigo Bentancur’s header from the resulting corner.
Tottenham continued to press for a winner, with Santos again saving from Maddison.
Ultimately, neither side could find a second goal. Frankfurt will likely be pleased to take a draw back to Germany, having withstood significant pressure from Tottenham in the second half.
