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Joao Palhinha came off the bench and immediately elevated his team
In charge: Thomas Frank
John Walton/PA Wire
Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri
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Job done and that was about it.
Tottenham are back in the Champions League after 923 days and a 1-0 win over Villarreal was enough to pick up an opening win.
That goal came when Luiz Junior spilled a cross into his own net inside four minutes. From there, Spurs opted for containment rather than push for another goal. There were some nervy moments and some frustrated supporters, but Thomas Frank's side are up and running with a victory.
Frank-ball too pragmatic?
It is not necessarily thrill-a-minute, but Spurs' approach earned them an Champions League win and provided the blueprint of what can be expected over the coming weeks and months in Europe.
Spurs were very cautious and that will take some adjusting to for supporters who had grown accustomed to the swashbuckling approach that defined Ange Postecoglou.
Favourite: Thomas Frank
REUTERS
The trade-off, of course, is that there was little to trouble the Villarreal defence after the early own goal. It led to a fairly muted atmosphere, Spurs fans having notmuch to engage with beyond a few frustrating decisions from the referee.
There were occasions when the home side could have committed numbers forward on the break, but on most occasions, Spurs turned back and played the safe pass, even when it frustrated the supporters.
Spurs backed themselves to hold on. Not pushing for a second goal does leave them vulnerable to a mistake or moment of magic from the opposition, but Frank will feel the pragmatic approach is the best bet for success in Europe. Time will tell if he is right.
Simons leaves Spurs fans waiting
Again Frank opted to start Simons on the left wing and again he offered only glimpses of what he can offer.
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That is to be expected so soon in his Spurs career, but it does raise the question of how Frank uses the Dutchman in upcoming matches.
Simons' best moments came in the first half when he drifted inside and found himself in a central position. He fired a rising effort just over the bar and another one whistled just wide.
Slow start: Xavi Simons
Action Images via Reuters
There were some better signs for his partnership with Djed Spence, a couple of nice backheels finding the full-back on the overlap, but overall it was another quiet display. Frank must be tempted to shift him into the No10 role.
Simons was fortunate not to have been sent off, too. After picking up a first-half booking for standing on Santiago Mourino's foot, Simons swiped Nicolas Pepe's legs from under him to stop a Villarreal counter after the break.
It should have been a second yellow card in what would have been a disastrous European debut. Instead, he was replaced with 15 minutes having hardly had a kick in the second half.
Palhinha shows significance
There is an argument that Joao Palhinha was Spurs' best player on the night and he only played 20 minutes.
He was replaced in the starting lineup by Rodrigo Bentancur and in his absence Spurs were far less stable in midfield, particularly after the break.
Not helped by some incredibly slack Spurs passing, Villarreal were able to run at the likes of Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, and the hosts were losing the battle in the middle of the pitch.
Impact: Joao Palhinha
Action Images via Reuters
That was clear to Frank and he turned to Palhinha, who had an immediate impact. He snapped into challenges and won the ball back high up the pitch, then playing it out wide for Mohammed Kudus and his cross very nearly picked out Richarlison at the back post.
Palhinha's influence was key right through into stoppage-time, when he charged back and committed a timely foul to stop Villarreal on the counter and allow Spurs to get back.
His cameo will give Frank real doubts about leaving Palhinha out of the starting lineup again, particularly in the Champions League.
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Spurs are back at Europe’s top table after two seasons away
Action Images via Reuters
Tottenham vs Villarreal LIVE
After an absence of two and a half years, Spurs are back in the Champions League. Qualifying by winning last season’s Europa League, and ending their 17-year trophy drought in the process, the north Londoners look in good shape upon their return to Europe top table. Under new manager Thomas Frank, there is a more sturdy defence and a clear ability to adapt to differing challengers.
Villarreal are the visitors, and have three familiar faces in their ranks. Most notably, former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is back in the capital just a few months after leaving on a free transfer. He will likely not receive a warm welcome, but Manor Solmon, on loan from Spurs, and Juan Foyth, who left the club four years ago, surely will.
It is a match both teams will believe they can win, and the start of a kind run of League Phase fixtures for Spurs, who travel to Bodo/Glimt and Monaco and then host Copenhagen in the first half of the schedule. Villarreal, also returning to the Champions League after a longer-than-hoped absence, are looking for their first ever win over an English team at the 15th time of asking. Follow the game LIVE below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham vs Villarreal latest news
just now
No one tell West Ham.
AFP via Getty Images
Team news is due at around 6.45pm, so in about 20 minutes or so. But it could drop a bit sooner.
Richarlison is expected to return to the starting line-up, with Tel ineligible. Simons should keep his place, but could move into No10.
Frank set for UCL bow
Thomas Frank will take charge of a Champions League game for the first time tonight, and he said it will be “special” to stand on the touchline and hear the anthem.
He reflected on his journey from managing Brentford in the Championship to now preparing his side to play on the biggest stage in club football.
“Of course it is a fantastic opportunity and experience tomorrow,” Frank said.
“In many ways you would say yes, we played with Brentford in the Championship at Griffin Park, a small, compact stadium and tomorrow we are playing in one of the best stadiums in the world – maybe the best.
“In front of our fantastic fans, it is a European night and we know they will be absolutely on it. It will be so special, so yeah really looking forward to the first two minutes, the Champions League anthem and then it’s focus on the game.”
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Romero confident over new Spurs direction on return to Europe's elite
Cristian Romero's most recent Champions League memory is not a particularly happy one, writes Matt Verri.
It came in March 2023, the last time Tottenham featured in the competition. AC Milan were the visitors to north London for the second leg of their last-16 tie.
Those with experience of watching Romero would have had their early warning systems activated as his head went down and he began the sprint towards Theo Hernandez. He arrived on the scene at full speed, launched himself into a challenge on the touchline and duly received a second yellow card.
Spurs were knocked out of the Champions League and Tuesday’s showdown with Villarreal marks a first return to the competition since.
Change is somewhat of a buzzword at Spurs at the moment, but the team is almost unrecognisable from the side who were knocked out by Milan.
Just three of that starting line-up are still at the club. Cristian Romero, now club captain, is the only one in line to feature on Tuesday, with Dejan Kulusevski out injured and Ben Davies yet to play a minute this season.
Add in the fact it will be Thomas Frank on the touchline and not Antonio Conte, and that there will be no Daniel Levy watching on from the stands, and this is a very different club.
Read more here!
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Tottenham vs Villarreal prediction
So far this season, we have seen two sides of Tottenham. We have seen the free-flowing, tactically astute Spurs who picked apart West Ham, downed Manchester City, and came within minutes of beating PSG in the Super Cup.
We have also seen the more turgid Tottenham that whimpered to a 1-0 home loss against Bournemouth.
So, the outcome of this match will likely be decided by which Tottenham turns up.
Given the scale of the occasion, the Spurs squad should have no issue getting themselves up for it.
Tottenham to win, 2-1.
John Walton/PA Wire
Early Villarreal team news
Villarreal will be without defender Willy Kambwala, centre-forward Gerard Moreno, and Pau Cabanes.
Tajon Buchanan is in line to start, though. He has notched three goals in four LaLiga matches this season, one shy of early golden boot contender Kylian Mbappe.
Early Tottenham team news
Tottenham could hand a debut to Deadline Day signing Randal Kolo Muani tonight.
Thomas Frank will be forced into at least one change from the win at West Ham as Mathys Tel has been left out of Spurs’ squad for the league phase of this competition.
Richarlison is therefore expected to come back into the starting lineup, though Frank also has the option of giving Kolo Muani his first minutes in a Spurs shirt.
Dominic Solanke remains out with the ankle injury that saw him miss most of pre-season and then ruled him out of recent matches against Bournemouth and West Ham.
Frank has decisions to make across the pitch. Destiny Udogie will hope to come in for his first start of the season at full-back, while Rodrigo Bentancur could also return after dropping out against West Ham.
Xavi Simons started on the left wing in that match and had some promising moments without really catching the eye. Frank could be tempted to shift him into the No10 role, but that would likely mean at least one of Lucas Bergvall or Pape Matar Sarr miss out and both have been in impressive form.
Getty Images
How to watch Tottenham vs Villarreal
TV channel: Tonight’s match will not be broadcast on terrestrial television.
Live stream: Tottenham vs Villarreal will be broadcast live for free on Amazon Prime.
It will be free for all Amazon Prime subscribers to watch. A subscription starts at £8.99 per month, though a 30-day free trial is also available.
Coverage will start at 6.30pm BST ahead of an pm kick-off.
Welcome
Good evening and welcome to the London Standard’s LIVE coverage of the Champions League game between Tottenham and Villarreal.
For Spurs, it’s a first game at Europe’s top table since March 2023, while the Yellow Submarine make their return since a semi-final defeat in May 2022.
Two teams with a point to prove, in a game which both will believe they can win.
Kick-off is at 8pm BST. Stick with us.
London Standard
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Previously irate captain’s positive words at rare press conference appearance prove club on right path ahead of Champions League comeback
Content: Cristian Romero’s previous anger over Tottenham’s direction as a club looks to have been quelled
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Matt Verri
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri
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Cristian Romero's most recent Champions League memory is not a particularly happy one.
It came in March 2023, the last time Tottenham featured in the competition. AC Milan were the visitors to north London for the second leg of their last-16 tie.
Those with experience of watching Romero would have had their early warning systems activated as his head went down and he began the sprint towards Theo Hernandez. He arrived on the scene at full speed, launched himself into a challenge on the touchline and duly received a second yellow card.
Spurs were knocked out of the Champions League and Tuesday’s showdown with Villarreal marks a first return to the competition since.
Change is somewhat of a buzzword at Spurs at the moment, but the team is almost unrecognisable from the side that were knocked out by Milan.
Just three of that starting lineup are still at the club. Cristian Romero, now club captain, is the only one in line to feature on Tuesday, with Dejan Kulusevski out injured and Ben Davies yet to play a minute this season.
Add in the fact it will be Thomas Frank on the touchline and not Antonio Conte, and that there will be no Daniel Levy watching on from the stands, and this is a very different club.
That, as far as Romero is concerned, is a good thing. He made a rare press-conference appearance on Monday and addressed some of his previous comments, among which have included frustration at the club's lack of spending and a reference to "obstacles" that previous boss Ange Postecoglou had to overcome.
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"Always everything I said is because I want there to be a structure of a club that can be at the top level, part of the big clubs," Romero said.
"That's why I was sometimes so angry before, but today I see a very, very organised club with a clear idea and a coach who is organising things and everyone is seeing that in a short space of time we are with him and that’s it."
Asked if he felt his previous concerns had been addressed, and whether Levy's exit could spark a more ambitious era at the club, Romero continued: "As I said before, it’s a bit of everything. It’s about the group of players, the coaching staff, the people that work for us, the executives obviously, in the end it depends on everyone that we pull in the same direction.
"I think that since Thomas arrived here, they have started to take all those decisions to go in the same direction."
A happy, committed Romero is good news for Spurs and for Frank, who on Tuesday gets his first taste of Champions League football as a manager.
In previous European campaigns it has been a largely inexperienced Spurs side facing new challenges, but there is a different feel to this squad. Last year's Europa League triumph has of course helped, but so too have the arrivals of Joao Palhinha, Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons.
There is a renewed positivity around the club amid recent declarations of a "new era" and Spurs head into their European campaign after a fine start to the season domestically.
Having been handed a relatively kind set of league phase fixtures, Spurs should believe they can reach the knockout stages.
That, though, is a long way in the distance for Spurs. First it's Villarreal and a chance to show just how much has changed while they have been away from Europe's elite.
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That a senior member of the Spurs hierarchy was speaking openly about the club's vision for the future felt in itself a change from the past, days on from the departure of Daniel Levy.
It was noticeable too how keen the chief executive was to mention the women's team. He emphasised that talk of a new era and backing from the owners was as relevant to them as the men's side.
Venkatesham played a key role in the growth of Arsenal's women's team when employed by the red side of north London and that looks set to continue at Spurs.
That is positive news for Martin Ho, the Spurs boss who arrived at the start of the summer and was tasked with reinvigorating a side that finished second from bottom in the Women's Super League last season.
Sat at the club's state-of-the-art training ground, it is hard not to feel that much more should be possible. Two wins from two to start this season back that up, and discussions with the club's owners have convinced Ho that the future is bright.
“What they want from me is to go and lead this team and take the team into a new era," the Spurs manager tells Standard Sport.
"They want me to lead this team and make sure we have an identity and be proud as supporters to represent Tottenham.
“I know that the leadership and the ownership are going to continue to push this women’s team. They have big plans for it. That’s most important for me, I wanted to come here and have a clear project and strategy in place. They’ve outlined that to me, I’ve bought into it and our vision is the same.”
Spurs did not win any of their final 11 matches last season, a run stretching back to January, and that ultimately led to the sacking of Robert Vilahamn.
Ho has largely the same squad to work with, after Spurs made only two signings in the summer transfer window, but he will not accept his side languishing towards the bottom of the table again.
“There’s going to be continued support and there has been since I came in. There’s been investment in this window with two big players. There will be continued investment moving forward."
The impact since Ho's arrival this summer has been stark. He immediately snapped that painfully long winless run and victories over West Ham and Everton have made it a perfect start to the season. Spurs are the only WSL side yet to concede a goal.
If Spurs are to close the gap on those above, then, it will have to come largely by improvements from those who struggled last season. That is a challenge Ho is relishing.
“The thing that gets me out of bed is I know I’ve got to come in and make this player better, I’ve got to come in and do this to make a difference," he says.
"Me having that in my head, that little bit of added pressure, makes me give myself that extra 10 or 15 per cent. But I know I back myself as a coach to bring more out of a player. Every player has a ceiling but I believe that within this group, we haven’t got anywhere near anyone’s ceiling yet.
“When you get these world-class talents in, you should still be able to develop them, no matter age, where they’ve come from, where they’ve played. I know that we can make anyone better and I’ll make sure this environment continues to do that.”
There is renewed positivity off the pitch at Spurs and Ho's side are now providing reasons to be positive on it too. Tests against Man City and Chelsea in the weeks ahead will be useful yardsticks, but there is no fear from Ho.
Spurs return to Champions League action after tasting defeat in the Super Cup
Opener: Tottenham host Villarreal to kick off their Champions League campaign
London Standard
Arthur Ferridge
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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Matt Verri
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Tottenham make their Champions League return against Villarreal tonight.
Spurs have started the campaign on form and currently sit third in the Premier League after four matches.
But it is a new challenge for Thomas Frank, who will make his personal Champions League debut. His only previous managerial experience in Europe came in the form of a Super Cup defeat by Paris Saint-Germain in August and a pair of fruitless Europa League qualifying campaigns with Brondby.
Villarreal seem to be ever-present in Europe, but did not contest any UEFA competition last season. This trip to north London, then, will be their first appearance in the competition since being knocked out in the semi-finals by Liverpool in 2021-22.
Former Spurs player Juan Foyth will likely play for the Yellow Submarine, as will former Chelsea man Renato Veiga, the Spaniards’ new club-record signing.
Date, kick-off time and venue
Tottenham vs Villarreal is scheduled for an 8pm BST kick-off tonight on Tuesday September 16, 2025.
The match will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London.
Where to watch Tottenham vs Villarreal
TV channel: Tonight’s match will not be broadcast live on terrestrial television.
Live stream: Tottenham vs Villarreal will instead be broadcast live on Amazon Prime.
It will be free for all Amazon Prime subscribers to watch. A subscription starts at £8.99 per month in the UK, though a 30-day free trial is also available. Coverage will start at 6.30pm.
Live blog: You can also follow every minute on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog, with expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham vs Villarreal team news
Frank is dealing with a considerable number of absentees. Dominic Solanke continues to suffer from an ankle injury picked up in pre-season, but the rest of the issues are longer-term.
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None of Yves Bissouma, Dejan Kulusevski, Radu Dragusin, James Maddison, or Kota Takai will be involved.
Randal Kolo Muani could be set to make his Spurs debut after signing on loan from Paris Saint-Germain on Deadline Day.
Speaking ahead of the match, Frank said Kolo Muani, an unused substitute against West Ham on Saturday, was “ready”.
Mathys Tel is unavailable having been left out of the squad for the competition.
There is a decision to make in midfield, though, as Frank must choose between Xavi Simons and Lucas Bergvall in the No10 role, where the latter excelled against West Ham.
The visitors will be without defender Willy Kambwala, centre-forward Gerard Moreno, and Pau Cabanes.
Tajon Buchanan is in line to start, though. He has notched three goals in four LaLiga matches this season, one shy of early golden boot contender Kylian Mbappe (4).
Tottenham vs Villarreal prediction
So far this season, we have seen two sides of Tottenham. We have seen the free-flowing, tactically astute Spurs who picked apart West Ham, downed Manchester City, and came within minutes of beating PSG in the Super Cup.
We have also seen the more turgid Tottenham that whimpered to a 1-0 home loss against Bournemouth.
So, the outcome of this match will likely be decided by which Tottenham turns up.
Given the scale of the occasion, the Spurs squad should have no issue getting themselves up for it.
Tottenham to win, 2-1.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
This will be the first competitive meeting between Tottenham and Villarreal.
Tottenham vs Villarreal match odds
Tottenham to win: 10/11
Villarreal to win: 3/1
Draw: 27/10
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
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Spurs are back at Europe’s top table and begin their campaign against the LaLiga side in north London, looking to build on their comfortable win over West Ham on Saturday.
Thomas Frank will be forced into at least one change from that match. Mathys Tel started up front at the London Stadium but he has been left out of Spurs’ squad for the league phase of this competition.
Richarlison is therefore expected to come back into the starting lineup, though Frank also has the option of giving Kolo Muani his first minutes in a Spurs shirt.
The Frenchman was an unused substitute against West Ham, with Frank previously speaking of the need to build his fitness, but he could feature against Villarreal.
“How many minutes? They can always play more minutes than we think. If we needed him to play he could play 90 minutes, but can he play at the intensity and the level we want? He is ready and he is involved tomorrow and that is the most important thing."
Dominic Solanke remains out with the ankle injury that saw him miss most of pre-season and then ruled him out of recent matches against Bournemouth and West Ham.
Frank has decisions to make across the pitch. Destiny Udogie will hope to come in for his first start of the season at full-back, while Rodrigo Bentancur could also return after dropping out against West Ham.
Xavi Simons started on the left wing in that match and has some promising moments without really catching the eye. Frank could be tempted to shift him into the No10 role, but that would likely mean at least one of Lucas Bergvall or Pape Matar Sarr miss out and both have been in impressive form.