Dominic Solanke's spot-kick fires Tottenham to Europa League semi-finals

Dominic Solanke's first-half penalty proved the difference, ending Frankfurt's 12-match unbeaten run at Deutsche Bank Park and sending Spurs to their first UEFA semi-final since 2019.

Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham's head coach, praised his squad's resilience. "I'm super proud of the lads," he said. "Going away in a quarter-final against a strong side, you need discipline and quality. They were outstanding to a man. Over two legs, we deserved to go through."

The match began with Frankfurt pressing early, as Kaua Santos' pinpoint 70-yard pass found Hugo Ekitike, only for Micky van de Ven to make a crucial last-ditch tackle.

Spurs weathered the storm and grew into the game, earning a penalty when Santos fouled James Maddison in the box. Solanke, breaking an 11-match goalless run, calmly slotted the spot-kick into the net.

After the break, Frankfurt pushed for an equaliser. Fares Chaibi's free-kick grazed the post, and later, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario produced a stunning reflex save to deny Chaibi from close range.

Spurs remained dangerous, with Cristian Romero's header from a Pedro Porro corner whistling just wide. Despite late pressure from Dino Toppmoller's side, Tottenham held firm, becoming the first team this season to keep a clean sheet at Frankfurt's fortress.

Postecoglou dismissed speculation about his future, which some had tied to the outcome of this tie. "I'm the same manager today as I was yesterday," he said. "What matters is the dressing room. Do the players believe? Do the staff believe? That's what drives me. The rest doesn't affect what I do."

On Spurs' chances of lifting their first European trophy since 1984, Postecoglou remained cautious. "We don't look that far ahead," he said. "We've had a tough season with injuries to key players like Vicario, Romero, Van de Ven, Bentancur, and Solanke.

"When we're at full strength, we're a compelling team against anyone. We're in the final four now, and we've given ourselves a chance."

Recent updates from Tottenham's official channels confirm Solanke's relief at ending his goal drought, with the striker posting on X: "Big win, big moment. Buzzing to get the goal and help the team through!"

Meanwhile, Postecoglou told Spurs' media team that the squad's focus is now on recovery ahead of their semi-final first leg, with no new injury concerns reported.

The victory ends Spurs' four-match losing streak away from home and keeps their European dreams alive, setting up an eagerly anticipated semi-final showdown.