Eintracht Frankfurt vs Tottenham Report

Scorers: Solanke 43’ (P)

Tottenham Hotspur booked their place in the UEFA Europa League (UEL) semi-finals with a gritty 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt at the Deutsche Bank Park, ending the German side’s 12-match unbeaten run in the competition.

Dominic Solanke’s first-half penalty ultimately proved enough to separate the two sides, as Ange Postecoglou’s men reached their first European semi-final in five years and kept alive hopes of claiming their first continental title since 1984.

Spurs Ride Out Early Storm

The hosts looked lively from the outset and almost stunned Spurs inside five minutes when Kauã Santos launched a 70-yard pass that sent Hugo Ekitike clear. The Frankfurt forward looked set to score, but Micky van de Ven showed brilliant recovery pace to get back and make a vital challenge.

That scare jolted Tottenham into life, and they soon began to assert themselves in possession. Mathys Tel tested Santos with a fine curling effort that the Frankfurt keeper tipped away at full stretch. Spurs continued to grow into the game and were rewarded for their pressure when James Maddison was clattered into by Santos inside the penalty area. After a brief VAR check, the referee pointed to the spot.

Up stepped Solanke, who had gone 11 matches without a goal in all competitions, but the striker kept his cool to send Santos the wrong way and slot the ball down the middle for what would prove to be the decisive goal.

Spurs Hold Firm After the Break

Tottenham knew they would need to dig deep in the second half, as Frankfurt came out with renewed energy and purpose. Farès Chaïbi almost levelled the tie just minutes after the restart, curling a free-kick that skimmed the outside of the post with Guglielmo Vicario rooted to the spot.

Despite being on the back foot, Spurs continued to pose a threat from set-pieces. Pedro Porro’s dangerous corner found Cristian Romero, whose glancing header narrowly missed the far post.

As the match wore on, Frankfurt threw everything forward in a desperate search for an equaliser. Spurs were forced to drop deeper and defend in numbers, with Vicario called into action once again to make a crucial reaction save from Chaïbi’s close-range effort.

Spurs Reach Long-Awaited European Semi-Final

Despite the late pressure, Tottenham’s backline stood firm, preserving their slender advantage and securing a famous away win in Germany. The result marked the first time any visiting side had kept a clean sheet at Deutsche Bank Park this season, underlining the resilience and tactical discipline Postecoglou has instilled in his side.

The full-time whistle confirmed Spurs’ progression to their first European semi-final since their memorable run to the UEFA Champions League final in 2019. For Eintracht Frankfurt, a side with a proud recent European record, the dream of a third Europa League triumph came to an end on home soil.

Looking Ahead

With confidence restored and their four-match away losing streak snapped, Tottenham can now look ahead to the semi-finals with optimism. Solanke’s timely return to goalscoring form and a resolute defensive display will offer hope that silverware may yet be within reach this season.

Meanwhile, Dino Toppmöller’s Frankfurt side must turn their focus back to domestic matters, knowing they fell just short of another magical European campaign.

For more info on this game’s outcome:

Frankfurt vs Tottenham | UEFA Europa League 2024/25