Son Heung-min scored twice as Tottenham Hotspur claimed a much-needed Europa League win at Hoffenheim to put them in a strong position to qualify automatically for the knockout stage.
Tottenham have struggled domestically in a difficult season and Sunday’s defeat at Everton left them 15th in the Premier League.
But Thursday’s trip to Germany provided welcome respite, with Son’s double and an early James Maddison strike securing a victory that moved them up to fourth in the league phase of the Europa League, though they finished the night sixth after the later kick-offs.
Tottenham looked purposeful from the outset and opened the scoring after just four minutes to settle the travelling fans’ nerves when Pedro Porro played a great ball for Maddison, who controlled before driving it into the roof of the net.
The visitors doubled their advantage midway through the first half when Son raced into the box, his shot deflected off Pavel Kaderabek and looped over goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.
Brandon Austin, making just his second start in goal for Spurs, needed to be alert to prevent Hoffenheim pulling one back when he pushed away Tom Bischof’s strike.
The hosts came out fighting in the second half, and Spurs’ relief of a penalty decision against them being overturned was swiftly ended when Anton Stach flicked in following a counter-attack.
The goal will have prompted concerns that Tottenham, who have been vulnerable under pressure of late, would capitulate – until Son fizzed a fine strike into the far corner to restore their two-goal advantage.
But David Mokwa’s header two minutes from time meant Spurs fans could not rest easy until the final whistle was blown.
Tottenham host Elfsborg in their final league phase game next Thursday when a win will likely secure a top-eight spot and send them into the knockout stage.
