Pressure surrounded Thomas Frank before kickoff, with dissatisfaction growing after a weekend setback against West Ham. A positive outcome was essential, and Tottenham responded with urgency from the outset under the stadium lights.
Supporter unease was visible as the match began, with noticeable gaps in the upper sections of the ground. However, that tension eased quickly as the home side pressed aggressively and moved the ball forward with speed.
That approach paid off when Cristian Romero converted Wilson Odobert’s delivery from the right, rewarding Spurs’ energetic opening and setting the tone for a dominant first-half spell.
Goals and dismissal tilt the contest
Tottenham continued to disrupt Borussia Dortmund through a relentless press, forcing errors and creating further openings. The visitors struggled to cope as Spurs sustained their attacking momentum.
A key moment arrived when Daniel Svensson was dismissed after VAR intervention, his high challenge on Odobert deemed worthy of a red card. The decision further shifted control towards the hosts.
Soon after, Odobert again played a decisive role, combining with Pedro Porro before driving a low pass into the area. Dominic Solanke’s fortunate touch saw the ball deflect off his feet and into the net, doubling the advantage.
Second-half dip but job completed
The second period lacked the sharpness shown earlier, with Tottenham unable to maintain the same tempo. Despite their numerical edge, clear chances were more limited after the interval.
One opportunity to extend the lead did arrive when Randal Kolo Muani broke through, only to direct his effort straight at goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. That miss kept the contest alive longer than expected.
Dortmund threatened late on through Nico Schlotterbeck, but Guglielmo Vicario’s stoppage-time save ensured a comfortable conclusion. The result leaves Spurs fourth in the table, well placed for automatic progression, and offers Frank a foundation to build upon despite lingering doubts.
