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TOTTENHAM 1-0 VILLARREAL: Spurs got their return to the Champions League off to a winning start after a goalkeeper howler earned them all three points against the La Liga side

As Champions League debuts go, it was a good introduction for Thomas Frank. The Tottenham boss had never managed at this level before but is making himself feel very much at home in his new surroundings.

It does feel like a fresh start and a new era for Spurs with a new manager, impressive new players and a new-look hierarchy sat up in the directors’ box.

Tottenham eased past decent Spanish opposition to get this season’s campaign off to a winning start even if they got some luck along the way with a comical own goal.

Villarreal keeper Luiz Junior’s dreadful fourth minute howler gifted Tottenham the win and, while there was plenty of room for improvement, they got the job done.

In truth, it was all a bit low key. It was quite comfortable for Tottenham. The new Champions League format means two extra games in the league phase which is all very nice but reduces any sense of jeopardy.

The loudest the home fans got all night was when they booed Villarreal substitute Thomas Partey when he came out to warm up and then came on in the second half. The former Arsenal midfielder is due to appear in court in London on Wednesday on rape and sexual assault charges.

The 54,755 crowd was below capacity, not least because season ticket holders had to buy their seats for this game and Villarreal did not even bring 1,000 fans.

Mind you, the little Spanish town only has a population of just over 50,000 and so the football club has punched above its weight for years.

Tottenham’s new-look hierarchy - non-executive chair Peter Charrington, chief executive Vinai Venkatesham plus Viv and Charles from the Lewis family - watched on from the directors’ box.

Even the opening - and decisive - goal was a bit underwhelming. Lucas Bergvall swung over a cross from the right, Villarreal keeper Luiz Junior blocked it but allowed it to squirm into his own net.

It was a shocking mistake. But it went a long way to settling any Tottenham nerves on their return to Europe’s top stage.

Frank is already making such a good impression at Tottenham and it is very noticeable how he regularly changes his midfield three to suit the opposition.

This time it was Bergvall, Rodrigo Bentancur and the hugely impressive Pape Matar Sarr who has gone from being a bit part player to midfield kingpin this season.

That is a huge tribute to Frank’s coaching and man management which is also working nicely for Mohammed Kudus who was regarded as something of a luxury player at West Ham whereas now he works tirelessly up and down the wing.

Villarreal did at least get a foothold back in the game. Former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe had a decent game set up Tajon Buchanan who should have scored but steered wide.

Tottenham’s Holland winger Xavi Simons was lucky not to get a second yellow card for a trip on Pepe and, to rub salt into the wounds, Villarreal coach Marcelino was booked for his protests.

There was even time for a late run out for Spurs new boy Randal Kolo Muani who came on for his debut.

Spurs did have a late scare when Micky van de Ven fouled Georges Mikautadze who fell into the box and the VAR check backed up the referee’s instinct to give a free kick rather than a penalty. Pepe’s free kick flew just wide and Tottenham’s win was safe.

Tottenham Hotspur get their UEFA Champions League campaign underway tonight, with new boss Thomas Frank making his European debut.

The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League season kicks off tonight as Tottenham Hotspur take on Villarreal. Spurs will host the Spanish side at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the first round of fixtures in the competition’s League Phase.

Tonight will mark Spurs’ first appearance in the Champions League since 2023, with their Europa League triumph last season earning them automatic qualification. It’s also Thomas Frank’s first game in Europe’s elite competition, as the former Brentford boss makes his European debut tonight.

The Dane has enjoyed a successful start to his Spurs career, with his side sitting third in the Premier League table. They took all three points from their derby clash against West Ham on Saturday with a convincing 3-0 win, which followed yet another victory against Man City in August.

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Meanwhile, Villarreal have endured a mixed start to their La Liga campaign, with their most recent fixture ending in a 2-0 loss to Atletico Madrid. However, despite picking up two wins from four, the Spanish side is sixth in their domestic table.

Ahead of tonight’s game, Frank spoke to Sky Sports about making his Champions League debut, saying: “I am hugely looking forward to it, I know it will be special when we have that Champions League anthem playing, that will be the moment. Really looking forward to the first two minutes, the anthem, and then it’s focus on the game.”

Unlike most Champions League fixtures, tonight’s game will not be broadcast on TNT Sports, but there is a way to watch the game completely free.

When is Tottenham vs Villarreal?

Tottenham vs Villarreal is scheduled to kick off at 8pm, with Gabby Logan leading the coverage from 6.30pm alongside Wayne Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Carrick. Commentary comes from Jon Champion and Alan Shearer.

How to watch Tottenham vs Villarreal for free

Tottenham vs Villarreal will be broadcast on Amazon’s Prime Video and can be streamed for free by signing up for an Amazon Prime 30-day free trial. Prime Video is broadcasting one Champions League match every game week free for Prime members, including Galatasaray vs Liverpool on September 30.

Tonight’s fixture also sees the debut of Prime Vision, an all-new alternate broadcasting feed packed with real-time stats, graphics, and AI-powered insights, including a tactical map and advanced analytics.

How to watch Tottenham vs Villarreal for FREE: TV channel, live stream and kick-off info

The Champions League is back with a bang this week, as Tottenham Hotspur kick-off their next European campaign with a visit from LaLiga side Villarreal on Tuesday evening

The return of the Champions League is finally upon us, and Tottenham Hotspur will kick off their next European campaign under new boss Thomas Frank with a visit from Villarreal. The current Europa League champions are back in action on Tuesday, competing in the elite European competition for the first time since 2023.

Spurs will host the La Liga side at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in the first of six games across 18 days, in a congested list of fixtures for the Premier League team. Manager Frank will be hoping for a positive start in Europe, after making it three wins out of four in the league so far, placing them second in the table early on.

The new format of the Champions League means that it is very similar to the Premier League, with points accumulated across a league phase of 36 teams. The first eight teams will automatically qualify for the knockout stages, with the next 16 sides heading into a play-off round.

Spurs are heading into Europe with some confidence after swiping West Ham United aside in the recent London derby, with three second-half goals securing an away win for the Lilywhites. Lucas Bergvall, Pape Matar Sarr and Micky van de Ven all found the net for Frank's side, continuing their impressive start to the 2025/26 season.

Meanwhile, Villarreal are looking to bounce back from a 2-0 loss to Diego Simeone's Atletico Madrid at the weekend, which saw them slip to sixth in the La Liga table. Marcelino's side has won two, drawn won and lost one game so far in the league.

The club will be aiming for more success in their first Champions League game since 2022, when they made it all the way to the semi-finals of the competition. Ahead of the game, here is everything you need to know about following the first of many European games on Tuesday evening.

When does Tottenham vs Villarreal kick off?

The game takes place on Tuesday, 16 September 2025, and will kick off at 8pm. The match will be played at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham vs Villarreal TV channel

Tottenham vs Villarreal will be shown live in the UK on Amazon Prime Video, with coverage starting from 7pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off.

You can sign up for a free 30-day trial of Amazon Prime, which would ensure you were able to watch Spurs' Champions League game without paying a penny. Follow the link here to find out more and sign up before kick-off.

BBC Radio 5 Live will provide live commentary for UK listeners.

How can I watch the Tottenham vs Villarreal highlights?

Highlights of the game will be available on BBC Sport by 17 September 2025.

Tottenham team news

Dominic Solanke remains out for Spurs, alongside James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin and Yves Bissouma. Summer signing Randal Kolo Muani could make his debut for the Lilywhites on Tuesday night, after remaining as an unused substitute against West Ham on Saturday.

Kota Takai and Mathys Tel are both ineligible to take part in the Champions League fixture, with Richarlison and Xavi Simons available to front the forward line for Spurs.

Tottenham's shackles are off and they can dream big again - now they must seize chance

Tottenham return to the Champions League on Tuesday after landing their first trophy in 17 years in May and under a bright new era led by Thomas Frank and without Daniel Levy

This should represent the start of a brave new world for Tottenham.

A new hierarchy, new manager and a Champions League campaign in what is regarded as one of the best stadiums in Europe. The fans have every right to be optimistic because there is also a buzz around the club at the moment which makes it feel like a fresh start.

Just last season, there were protests outside the ground against former chairman Daniel Levy because supporters were fed-up at the way the club was being run. Ultimately, Tottenham finished the season at the end of Ange Postecoglou’s reign by winning the Europa League and, despite their wretched Premier League form, it gave them a passport back onto European football’s biggest stage.

Tottenham have been bold as a club since then by bringing in Thomas Frank as manager and it was the will of the fans who really drove an even bigger change.

Levy was replaced amid a message that Tottenham want more success. We got our first glimpse of the club’s new power brokers in the directors’ box at West Ham last Saturday.

There was Viv Lewis, daughter of former owner Joe Lewis, and her son-in-law Nick Beucher were sat with technical director Johan Lange and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham. You can be sure the new hierarchy will relish their first big European night since taking over.

Tottenham have been regulars in the Champions League in the past and even reached the final in 2019. But a failure to build on the team which Mauricio Pochettino built was perhaps the biggest example of the lack of ambition and failings of Levy’s reign.

The biggest success, of course, is that £1billion stadium. It deserves to host the biggest European nights. Villarreal will provide a little taste and they have got big Champions League dates with Borussia Dortmund and trips to the likes of Paris Saint Germain and Monaco.

Tottenham should reach the knock-out stages and you could sense the excitement as Frank was asked about his first Champions League campaign since taking charge at Spurs.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and experience,” said Frank. “We’re playing in the Champions League in one of the best - maybe the best - stadiums in the world.”

Tottenham have made such a promising start - three wins and a defeat from four Premier League games - under Frank and the squad looks stronger, it has been strengthened in key areas and it looks exciting.

No wonder a lot of Spurs fans will feel the shackles are off and they can dream big again.

The hierarchy want silverware. They have an ambitious manager. They have a chief executive who makes it his business to be in tune with the fans. This is a big moment for Tottenham - and they have to seize the opportunity.

After years of frustration and false dawns, Tottenham fans are desperate for a new beginning. The return to the Champions League and a win over Villarreal might just signal the start of something very special.

Tottenham make their return to the Champions League this week with a fresh optimism around the club following the exit of Daniel Levy as chairman and a strong start to the season

This should represent the start of a brave new world for Tottenham. A new hierarchy, new manager and a Champions League campaign in what is regarded as one of the best stadiums in Europe.

The fans have every right to be optimistic because there is also a buzz around the club at the moment which makes it feel like a fresh start. Just last season, there were protests outside the ground against former chairman Daniel Levy because supporters were fed-up at the way the club was being run.

Ultimately, Tottenham finished the season at the end of Ange Postecoglou’s reign by winning the Europa League and, despite their wretched Premier League form, it gave them a passport back onto European football’s biggest stage. Tottenham have been bold as a club since then by bringing in Thomas Frank as manager and it was the will of the fans who really drove an even bigger change.

Levy was replaced amid a message that Tottenham want more success. We got our first glimpse of the club’s new power brokers in the directors’ box at West Ham last Saturday.

There was Viv Lewis, daughter of former owner Joe Lewis, and her son-in-law Nick Beucher were sat with technical director Johan Lange and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham. You can be sure the new hierarchy will relish their first big European night since taking over.

Tottenham have been regulars in the Champions League in the past and even reached the final in 2019. But a failure to build on the team which Mauricio Pochettino built was perhaps the biggest example of the lack of ambition and failings of Levy’s reign.

The biggest success, of course, is that £1billion stadium. It deserves to host the biggest European nights. Villarreal will provide a little taste and they have got big Champions League dates with Borussia Dortmund and trips to the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco.

Tottenham should reach the knock-out stages and you could sense the excitement as Frank was asked about his first Champions League campaign since taking charge at Spurs. “It’s a fantastic opportunity and experience,” said Frank. “We’re playing in the Champions League in one of the best - maybe the best - stadiums in the world.”

Tottenham have made such a promising start - three wins and a defeat from four Premier League games - under Frank and the squad looks stronger, it has been strengthened in key areas and it looks exciting.

No wonder a lot of Spurs fans will feel the shackles are off and they can dream big again. The hierarchy want silverware. They have an ambitious manager. They have a chief executive who makes it his business to be in tune with the fans. This is a big moment for Tottenham - and they have to seize the opportunity.

After years of frustration and false dawns, Tottenham fans are desperate for a new beginning. The return to the Champions League and a win over Villarreal might just signal the start of something very special.

Emmanuel Adebayor was on the verge of joining West Ham on loan from Tottenham in January 2015, but the move was allegedly blocked by Spurs chairman Daniel Levy due to a fierce rivalry between the clubs

Emmanuel Adebayor was on the brink of signing for West Ham United in 2015, but the move was allegedly thwarted by Daniel Levy. The Togolese forward had successful spells at Arsenal and Manchester City before joining Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 after a fruitful loan period.

Despite not reaching his peak at White Hart Lane, he still netted 18 goals in 59 appearances for Spurs after becoming a regular player. Although he was eventually transferred to Crystal Palace in 2016 as a free agent, Adebayor could have offered some return on the £5million fee Spurs paid Manchester City for his earlier transfer.

That's because West Ham were incredibly close to securing Adebayor in January 2015, until then-chairman Levy is alleged to have declined to approve the move. Adebayor claims that around five clubs were keen to take him on loan at the time, with Upton Park being the most attractive option.

However, as Levy allegedly viewed the Hammers as a direct Premier League competitor, Adebayor ultimately remained at Spurs. Speaking to Sky Sports News, Adebayor said: "The club decided to send me out on loan, which I was pleased with, and I was lucky enough to have five good clubs [interested].

"I decided to go for three, to see which one I should choose, and finally when I chose the one I wanted to go to, unfortunately Mr. Levy was against it because there was a rivalry between Tottenham and the club I wanted to go to. The club decided I should stay, which I am very happy to do. I am here to do my job."

Adebayor also revealed that QPR had shown interest in securing his services on loan for the remainder of the season, having already built a solid rapport with Harry Redknapp during their time together at Spurs. He added: "Harry Redknapp is a great manager.

"He was the first person who brought me to Tottenham and I really liked him as a manager. But I decided to go to West Ham because of their position in the league. They are fighting, doing everything to finish into the top four.

"And also because I could have played alongside some of their players, like Alex Song, who is like a brother to me. I wanted to go to West Ham instead of QPR."

Following his switch to Crystal Palace in January 2016 on a short-term contract, Adebayor endured just six months at Selhurst Park before being shown the door. In the years that followed, he featured for Istanbul Basaksehir, Kayserispor, Olimpia and Semassi, before hanging up his boots in March 2023.

He also scored 32 goals in 87 appearances for Togo at international level between 2000 and 2019. It comes as West Ham suffered a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of the Lilywhites on Saturday evening, as the pressure continues to mount on Graham Potter.

Pape Matar Sarr opened the scoring for Spurs at the opening of the second half, before Tomas Soucek was shown a straight red for a high challenge on Joao Palhinha moments later. Spurs then capitalised on their opponents being a man down, with Lucas Bergvall and Micky van de Ven finding the scoresheet to secure all three points away from home.

It comes as West Ham's third loss of the season from four games in total, also suffering defeat at the hands of Sunderland and Chelsea in their opening two weeks. And given that West Ham are currently sat 18th in the Premier League table, the board may be looking at the suitability of Potter at the club going forward.

Jamie Redknapp claimed that Tottenham were a 'mess' when Lord Alan Sugar sold his majority stake to Enic and Daniel Levy in 2001, leaving the ex-Spurs chairman furious

Lord Alan Sugar has threatened to SUE both Sky Sports and Jamie Redknapp after the pundit branded Tottenham a 'mess' when he sold the club in 2001. Former Spurs midfielder Redknapp was working alongside ex-Chelsea forward Gianfranco Zola to provide analysis of Tottenham's 3-0 win away to West Ham on Saturday.

The Premier League match marked Spurs' first game since Daniel Levy left his role as chairman in a stunning announcement. Levy had been running the show since Enic, a company in which he has a significant share, purchased a majority stake in Tottenham from Sugar 24 years ago.

Electronics mogul Sugar was in charge of Spurs for a decade, overseeing their FA Cup win in 1991 and the League Cup victory in 1999. During Levy's time in charge, the club also lifted two trophies and moved into a new £1.2billion stadium as well as a state-of-the-art training ground.

Discussing the 63-year-old's shock exit, a decision made by Tottenham's new-look hierarchy, Redknapp criticised the state in which Sugar left the club and praised the 'great job' that Levy has done. "I have been critical of Daniel Levy, there were a few highs I didn't like in how he operated," Redknapp, 52, said ahead of kick-off.

"But in terms of the training ground, the facilities, the infrastructure and [building] one of the best football stadiums in the world, he has done a great job there... You think back to Alan Sugar, how he left the club was a complete mess.

"Daniel Levy has left it in a really great way and [chief executive] Vinai [Venkatesham] will know that, and the people that are in charge now will really look at this club and think it can go forward."

Just 21 minutes after Sky posted a clip of Redknapp's comments on X, formerly Twitter, Sugar responded with the threat of legal action. "Jamie Redknapp is a double barrel idiot. He talks a load of rubbish.

"He said when Daniel Levy took over Spurs Alan Sugar left the club in a right mess. He and Sky will be hearing from my lawyers Monday @redknapp."

Do you agree with Jamie Redknapp? Have your say in the comments section.

The account that Sugar tagged belongs to Harry Redknapp, Jamie’s father. Sugar got it right in a subsequent post, warning: "I am coming after you @MrJamieRedknapp idiot."

Mirror Football have contacted Sky Sports for comment.

Sugar continued watching Sky's coverage of the evening clash, ranting about VAR after Spurs had a goal in the first half controversially disallowed for a foul. Thomas Frank's side went on to win 3-0 thanks to second-half goals from Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Micky van de Ven.

Scott Parker was stung after being booed by West Ham fans during his return to Upton Park with Tottenham, the club he joined after being relegated with the Hammers

Mohammed Kudus can expect a tasty reception when he takes to the pitch at London Stadium in a Tottenham Hotspur shirt. Few players have made the cross-capital switch from West Ham to Spurs or vice versa over the years.

While the rivalry between the clubs isn’t quite as hostile as the north London derby, it’s certainly not for the faint-hearted. Scott Parker experienced that at first hand after he made the same move as Kudus back in 2011.

Parker had been a Hammers favourite during his four seasons at Upton Park, being named ‘Hammer of the year’ three times. He also won the Football Writers’ Association player of the year award, despite being part of the West Ham team that finished at the foot of the Premier League.

Fearful of missing out on a place in the England squad for Euro 2012, relegation drove Parker to seek a new club and he joined Spurs for £6million. He said at the time: “Playing in the Euros was a massive factor.

“The last six months for me has been massive with England. I have not just been getting into squads, I have been playing. To get into the squad for the Euros would be massive for me and my career.

“I want to do everything I possibly can to get into that squad really. With the way it's gone for me over the last year, I felt like I needed to be playing in the Premier League.”

However, his hopes that West Ham fans would have understood his rationale for leaving the club were soon extinguished when he returned to Upton Park with Spurs. Parker, who gave away a penalty in Spurs’ 3-2 win, was left hurt after being booed by large sections of the crowd. He said: “I didn't expect the West Ham fans to boo me and obviously it was a little bit upsetting.

“I don't know why [they did it]. I don't know if it’s because I went to their local rivals... I'm not sure, but I just would have liked to think that maybe I would have got a better reception after what I did in my time here.

“I loved [Upton Park], the fans, and I loved the club. I had four fantastic years here and it will always be a club with a massive place in my heart. I was looking forward to coming back and I couldn't wait to go out there and play, so I was disappointed [to be booed].”

Parker and Kudus are two of just six players to have moved from West Ham to Spurs since 2003. The others were Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe, Frederick Kanoute and goalkeeper Jimmy Walker.

West Ham and Spurs meet in Saturday’s 5.30pm kick-off. Amid unrest off the pitch, Hammers fans will be demanding a response after being thrashed 5-1 by Chelsea in their last home match. Meanwhile, Spurs are looking to build on a positive start to the season under new boss Thomas Frank.

Spurs made the shock decision to part ways with Daniel Levy having served as the club's chairman for 24 years - with Thomas Frank speaking about that decision in his latest press conference.

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has admitted Daniel Levy's departure from the club was unexpected. Levy stepped down from his position as Spurs chairman last week, having been invited to leave the position he had held at the club since 2001 by majority owners ENIC, which is owned by the Lewis family trust.

Frank would go on record to pay tribute to the outgoing Spurs chief, saying Levy had built the foundations for the future. "I would say, I don't think anyone expected it, but a decision is made and we move forward," Frank admitted ahead of this weekend's clash with West Ham United.

"Daniel deserves massive praise. He has been here 24 years and he must be one of longest chairman that's been in the Premier League ever.

"The things he's built, the success he's been a massive part of, you can't praise enough and two big things is he has laid foundations for the future in terms of this fantastic training centre and the stadium. Both of them are at a level where we can compete with big clubs for the future."

The Spurs' head coach also admitted he had spoken with Levy following his exit - to say goodbye - but reiterated the commitment of majority owners ENIC despite ongoing takeover talk. Frank continued: "Yes, I've spoken to him and, of course, known Daniel, but only known him the last three months.

"Of course I spent more time with him, but it's been brief. I said thank you because it was not only him appointing me, but he had the decisive words and I will always be appreciative of that.

"It's not a new ownership, it is the same ownership but it's just the majority shareholders have more influence. And they are very committed to the club and want to build something good for the future.

"The main thing I can do to do my job well is focus on now and that is West Ham. Huge London derby."

Ange Postecoglou knew he was destined for the exit door at Tottenham despite winning the Europa League in what proved to be his final game for the club

Ange Postecoglou left his mark in the corridors of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - now he wants to do the same at the City Ground.

The Aussie breezed into his new job as Nuno Espirito Santo’s replacement not only talking big but also about returning the glory days to the club.

Postecoglou referenced ‘bringing joy to the people’ on the back of his last public appearance as he paraded the Europa League trophy to hundreds of thousands of delirious Spurs supporters three months ago. And he plans to do the same in the East Midlands.

He said: “I want to win trophies. That's what I've done my whole career - and that's what I want to try and do at Nottingham Forest. From that point of view, looking at the opportunity that exists here what I've seen over the last few years since the president (Evangelos Marinakis) took over, those ambitions are backed up with actions.

“So I was keen to go to a club that would give me that platform to continue the career I've had so far. That is: To continue winning things. That was important to me.

“Not that they're in a position to do that - but they have that ambition. And I love creating things that last. Every club I’ve been to I’d like to think I’d be welcomed back because I think I’ve left a mark. That’s what I want to do here.

“That’s what inspires and motivates me. Can I create a moment that will outlast my presence in any sort of organisation. And that’s going to drive me every single day.

“The joy for me in coming to this club is to win a trophy - not because it’s going to help me keep my job - but because I know how it’s going to make people feel.

“That’s why, when I finish my tenure here that I can come back and somewhere there’s something on the walls that says I was here.”

Postecoglou’s unveiling was the first time he had spoken in public following Spurs’s final game of the campaign - a defeat to Brighton on the final day of last season. He claimed he knew the sack was coming long before the club’s glory night in Bilbao.

He closed the chapter on that, saying: “Look I know it was coming - and I knew it was coming a long way out. Long before most people knew it was going to happen. But I didn’t want to tarnish the night, tarnish the parade or anything like that.

“I wasn’t going to let that happen because it wouldn’t have been fair on everyone else. I wanted my family to enjoy it and I enjoyed it, too. When you win something, you cherish it and celebrate it - and that’s what I did.

“I wanted everyone to look around and say there are moments that will stay with me forever. Special moments.”

Postecoglou was, however, repeatedly hit with the accusation that ‘Angeball’ had fallen flat as, despite Spurs’s Euro success, they hit the buffers in the Premier League finishing one place outside the drop zone.

Asked about the approach he was taking at his new club, Postecoglou said: “I do like my teams to play exciting football and score goals.

“I’m making no apologies for that. That's just the way I am and the way I want to see my teams play. I want to dominate the ball, I want to put pressure on the opposition when I score goals.

“But all of it with the end goal of winning football games. Because that's what excites me more than anything else. If you win football games, you can win trophies.”