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Ange Postecoglou’s quest to end Tottenham Hotspur’s lengthy trophy drought is hanging by a thread after a 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final on Thursday.
Postecoglou’s troubled side fell behind early to Hugo Ekitike’s goal in North London, but Pedro Porro equalised before half-time to keep Spurs’ hopes alive.
Tottenham dominated possession in the second half, but despite relentless pressure and hitting the woodwork twice, they could not find a winner.
The result means Postecoglou must now deliver a memorable performance in the second leg in Germany on April 17 to maintain his hopes of securing Tottenham’s first trophy since the 2008 League Cup.
“It was disappointing to concede the way we did. The biggest blow was conceding so early. That kind of played into their hands,” Postecoglou said. “But even before that, I thought we were well in control of the game. I thought it would bring fruit in the second half, and it did in every aspect but goals. I can’t ask any more of the lads.”
The winner of the tie will face Bodo/Glimt or Lazio in the semi-finals in May, with the Norwegian side holding a 2-0 advantage going into their second leg.
“On any other night, we go away with a comfortable victory. We have to go there. If we repeat that performance, we give ourselves a chance,” Postecoglou said. “I don’t expect the second game to be open; it will be a cagey affair and will come down to moments.”
Earlier in the season, Postecoglou boldly claimed that he always wins a trophy in his second campaign, a statement that has since left him vulnerable to criticism amid Tottenham’s turbulent season.
The Australian has come under intense scrutiny recently, even joking on Wednesday that he would still be “gone” at the end of the season, regardless of whether he won the Europa League, such is his low approval rating with Spurs supporters.
Amid ongoing fan protests against chairman Daniel Levy, Tottenham are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, in danger of their worst finish since 1993-94, when they ended the season in 15th.
Frankfurt, third in the Bundesliga, are hoping to return to the Europa League final after lifting the trophy in 2022.
Reflecting their respective league standings, Frankfurt started the match with more confidence and purpose.
Ekitike, who had scored 19 goals and provided eight assists in 40 appearances before Thursday’s game, was Frankfurt’s main threat and a transfer target for several Premier League clubs.
Tottenham failed to heed the warning, as Ekitike struck in spectacular fashion after just six minutes. James Maddison lost possession, and Frankfurt launched a rapid counter-attack, with Ekitike racing past Porro to curl a fine finish into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.
Tottenham’s response came swiftly and was a welcome boost for Postecoglou. Son Heung-min’s pinpoint cross found Dominic Solanke, whose header was comfortably saved by Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos.
While Ekitike’s opener was a memorable moment, Porro’s 26th-minute equaliser was even more stunning. Maddison weaved through the Frankfurt defence and cut a pass back to Porro, who produced an exquisite back-heeled flick that flashed past Santos from six yards.
Postecoglou had his head in his hands moments later when Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike from 25 yards.
That was just the beginning of a sustained period of second-half pressure from Tottenham.
Santos made a fantastic save to deny Son’s curling shot, before Rodrigo Bentancur’s header from the resulting set-piece struck the bar. Maddison’s close-range effort forced another excellent save from Santos, and Micky van de Ven’s header was brilliantly tipped over by the Frankfurt keeper, leaving the first leg finely balanced.
