Jan Vertonghen says the 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund showed Tottenham Hotspur can’t be considered Champions League “underdogs” any more.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side picked off the Bundesliga leaders in a polished display, and also showed their maturity. Vertonghen said it showed how they are part of the competition’s established band of teams.
“I think everyone playing in the Champions League now. They look at each other and see how strong teams are, yeah, results like doesn't help us to be the underdog.
"We are very pleased with the result, and are in a great position for the away game, now?
“We have to focus on ourselves but, yeah, 3-0 in a home tie in the Champions League in the first leg is a big, big result, against at this moment the best German side. We're very pleased.”
The north London club, who travel to Germany for the return match early next month, do not have a fixture until February 23 having been knocked out of the FA Cup.
Manager Pochettino intends to use the break to go abroad, while his squad will also be given time away from football after he described them as "heroes".
"The players deserve all the credit because they were fantastic. They win the possibility to have a few days off," he said.
"I cannot tell you (my plans) but I am going to be out of England."
He added: "With all the circumstances we have, the team is fighting, the team is getting results. I feel so proud for that. My players are heroes."
