Son Heung-min’s Double Helps Tottenham Secure Europa League Win at Hoffenheim
Tottenham Hotspur gained some much-needed relief from their Premier League struggles with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim in the Europa League on Thursday. Son Heung-min played a pivotal role, scoring twice to help Spurs move closer to securing a place in the knockout rounds.
The win also eased the pressure on manager Ange Postecoglou, whose side had endured a tough run in the Premier League, losing seven of their last eight matches. The victory was a much-needed boost as Tottenham sit 15th in the Premier League, and the Europa League, along with the FA Cup and League Cup, remain key to Postecoglou fulfilling his promise to bring silverware to the club in his second season.
Son’s early goal, coupled with a strike from James Maddison, gave Spurs a provisional fourth-place standing in the revamped group stage of the competition. Tottenham now have a chance to secure automatic qualification for the next round with a win over Elfsborg in their final group match.
Spurs took the lead just four minutes into the game when Maddison found the net after a perfect pass from Pedro Porro. Richarlison, making his second start of the season, came close to doubling the advantage, but his shot was saved by Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. The hosts struggled to cope with Tottenham’s attacking pressure, and on 22 minutes, Maddison turned provider, setting up Son, whose shot deflected off a defender and found the back of the net.
Hoffenheim responded after the break, with Anton Stach pulling one back, but Son sealed the win with a well-taken shot in the 77th minute. Despite a late goal from David Mokwa for Hoffenheim, Tottenham held on for the victory.
Postecoglou praised his team for the result, acknowledging the significance of winning away in Europe. “It’s a significant victory for us,” he said. “It gives us a good foothold to get into those top eight spots, which will give us a week off.”
Meanwhile, in other Europa League action, José Mourinho’s Fenerbahce played out a goalless draw with Lyon, keeping their hopes of making the playoffs alive. In the 2000 GMT kick-offs, Manchester United hosted Rangers and Lazio faced Real Sociedad, with the latter match marred by an attack on Real Sociedad fans by Lazio supporters ahead of the game.
