Tottenham Hotspur earned a win over Villarreal in their opening match of the 2025/26 Champions League thanks to a freak own goal in a match that saw just one shot on target.
Neither side had the chance to settle before Spurs found themselves ahead in miraculous circumstances, with Villarreal ‘keeper Luiz Junior somehow fumbling Lucas Bergvall’s cross into his own net in the fourth minute.
Despite a gift to start the match, Spurs were unable to kick on in the first half, with the only notable chance falling to the visitors as Tajon Buchanan fired wide when one-on-one with Vicario.
Both sides fought for control but neither was able to dominate possession, with Spurs almost letting the visitors back into the game after losing the ball sloppily several times in the opening stages of the second half.
Nevertheless, the hosts emerged from the only period of sustained pressure unscathed and were able to close out the result, digging in deep to keep a clean sheet after some late Villarreal chances.
Follow all the latest reaction in our live blog below:
Tottenham vs Villarreal LIVE
- Tottenham beat Villarreal in their Champions League opener thanks to freak own goal
- 55' CLOSE! Pepe curls narrowly wide of the far post [TOT 1-0 VIL]
- 24' CLOSE! Buchanan fires wide when one-on-one [TOT 1-0 VIL]
- 4' GOAL! Luiz Júnior fumbles into his own net early on [TOT 1-0 VIL]
Champions League fixtures
00:00 , Chris WilsonHere are the remaining Champions League fixtures to look forward to this week:
(all kick off at 8pm unless stated)
Wednesday, 17 September
Olympiacos vs Pafos (5.45pm)
Slavia Praha vs Bodo/Glimt (5.45pm)
Bayern Munich vs Chelsea
Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
PSG vs Atalanta
Ajax vs Inter Milan
Thursday, 18 September
Copenhagen vs Leverkusen (5.45pm)
Club Brugge vs AS Monaco (5.45pm)
Eintracht Frankfurt vs Galatasaray
Sporting CP vs Kairat
Newcastle vs Barcelona
Manchester City vs Napoli
Champions League results
23:40 , Chris WilsonHere are all the results from tonight:
Athletic Club 0-2 Arsenal
PSV 1-3 Union SG
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
Real Madrid 2-1 Marseille
Juventus 4-4 Borussia Dortmund
Benfica 2-3 Qarabag
Spurs' UCL fixtures
23:20 , Chris WilsonToday was the first of Tottenham’s eight league phase fixtures – you can see the other ones below:
Tuesday, 30 September 8pm
Bodo/Glimt (A)
Wednesday, 22 October 8pm
Monaco (A)
Tuesday, 4 November 8pm
Copenhagen (H)
Wednesday, 26 November 8pm
Paris St-Germain (A)
Tuesday, 9 December 8pm
Slavia Prague (H)
Tuesday, 20 January 8pm
Borussia Dortmund (H)
Wednesday, 28 January 8pm
Eintracht Frankfurt (A)
Spurs boss Thomas Frank says his first Champions league win is “special”, adding that he’s “very happy with that”.
“I definitely learned you have to be happy with your wins and appreciate them. I think there was many good things. We defended really well and gave little away throughout the game against a really good Villarreal side. I think offensively we didn't hit the highest level.
“There was definitely a spell second half where we decided let's give it to the Villareal guys and then we'll sprint back, that's a very good fun thing. It was a very even game that we just edged.
"I learned that they [his tplayers] are working very hard and we have a very good foundation to stand on in terms of our defensive organisation. I think it's good and we gave little away.
“This is the Champions League against a good team. Also, I knew it we took a step forward against West Ham, offensively is the area we need to get better,” he added.
Bergvall: 'It was really tough'
22:45 , Chris Wilson"Lucas Bergvall says that Villarreal put in “a great performance”, and he calls a 1-0 win at home “amazing”.
“We managed to get three points today and we talk a lot about 'clean sheet mentality' and they did not have a shot on target, so we did a really good job."
“We talked a lot about 'clean sheet mentality' this year because we conceded a lot last year. My relationship with him [Frank] is really good. I just want to get back to the form I had at the end of last year, and I feel like I am. I have help from him and the video analysts to get better every day."
On how it feels to play in the Champions League, he adds: "It's a dream since I was a young kid. Unbelievable feeling, and at home and to get three points as well, amazing."
Van de Ven reacts
22:30 , Chris WilsonSpurs defender Micky van de Ven spoke to Amazon Prime just now, and called it a tough game today.
"I think it was a tough one, not an easy one. We didn't play well today but it was an important one.
"We had a really good start and of course you want to build on that but Villarreal are a really difficult team to play against. Also, every time on the counter-attack they keep the strikers forward, they're really dangerous. Of course you want to build on the 1-0 at the start of the game but at the end we got the three points and that's the most important."
On his yellow card for the late foul, he says: "Of course, you never know what the referee is going to do in that moment. I think because I go for the ball it's not a red card. I haven't seen it back properly, so I cant say what I think at the moment."
"I think we are a difficult team to play against, for sure. Structure-wise we are standing really good and we all know what to do, so we're a difficult team to beat,” he adds as he finishes.
How the league phase table looks
22:20 , Chris WilsonThat win puts Spurs fifth in the leaguer phase table, though of course only 12 teams have played so far.
Only Qarabag, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Union SG are above Thomas Frank’s side.
Villarreal sit in 34th out of 36.
Next up
22:10 , Chris WilsonSpurs’ next game comes this weekend against Brighton away. That one kicks off on Saturday at 3pm.
Their next UCL match is against Bodo/Glimt, who they beat in the Europa League semis last season. That one takes place in Norway on 30 September at 8pm BST.
FULL-TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
22:00 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:56 , Chris WilsonNot the best start to the campaign for Spurs but Thomas Frank won’t mind – a win is a win after all.
Not a good game for the neutral, but Spurs open the campaign with a win that could prove vital come January.
There were some encouraging performances from Spurs – notably Kudus, Bergvall and the centre-back pairing – but ultimately Frank will probably write it off to early season and move on quickly.
FULL-TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:53 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
The referee blows the final whistle and Spurs limp over the line to earn a win in their opening Champions League match!
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:49 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
More pressure from the visitors and Spurs can’t get out of their own half at the minute, though the Villarreal attacking still lacks quality.
Bergvall makes way for Kevin Danso.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:48 , Chris Wilson90 mins
We’ll have three minutes of added time here as Moleiro sees his effort from distance blocked.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:47 , Chris Wilson88 mins
Somehow the game has become even more sloppy and end-to-end. Spurs are just trying to kill the game and waste some time here and there, with Villarreal too sloppy as they chase it late on.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:43 , Chris Wilson86 mins
CLOSE! Pepe steps up and curls an effort wide of the far post!
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:43 , Chris Wilson85 mins
A yellow card for van de Ven and a free-kick on the edge of the area for the visitors.
The Georgian striker raced through and beat Romero but was bundled over by the Dutch defender on the edge of the area.
Potential for a red card, but the Villarreal man was going away from goal when the contact was made.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:41 , Chris Wilson83 mins
1 shot on target all game so far. That sums it up.
We might have something interesting here though as Mikautadze races through...
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:39 , Chris Wilson81 mins
Half a chance for Spur as Kolo Muani nods down Kudus’ cross into the path of Palhinha, but the Portuguese fires over.
Buchanan makes way for Moleiro for the visitors.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:37 , Chris Wilson79 mins
Another yellow, this one for Kolo Muani after he leans into a challenge too aggressively.
Spurs fans take a sharp intake of breath as Udogie shepherds the ball back to Vicario under pressure.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:35 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Brennan Johnson comes on for Simons, while Richarlison makes way for Randal Kolo Muani.
Villarreal make two more changes too, as Comesana and Gueye come off for Dani Parejo and Thomas Partey.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:33 , Chris Wilson75 mins
Villarreal make two changes, as Alfonso Pedraza and Ilias Akhomach come on for Perez and Cardona.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:31 , Chris Wilson73 mins
This is better though! Unsurprisingly it comes from Kudus, who looks up to swing an inch-perfect cross to Richarlison at the back post.
The Brazilian has mis-read it though, and he can’t direct a header on target.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:29 , Chris Wilson71 mins
It’s been a very strange game in truth. It has almost felt more like a friendly than a Champions League game.
It’s definitely an early season game too, as illustrated by how sloppy both sides have been at times.
Overall, neither side has been able to make it click in attack yet.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:26 , Chris Wilson69 mins
First changes of the day as Joao Palhinha and Destiny Udogie come on for Pape Sarr and Djed Spence.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:24 , Chris Wilson66 mins
Simons was very, very lucky there! Villarreal boss Marcelino was booked for letting the ref know his feelings over that one.
Vicario collects the cross from the free-kick, but the visitors win the ball back quickly.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:23 , Chris Wilson63 mins
Neither side has managed to take control of the second half either, though Spurs are starting to keep the ball better, and in turn that is limiting Villarreal’s chances on the break.
The visitors do mount a counter but it ends with Simons scything down Pepe – the Dutchman has to be careful, having already been booked.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:18 , Chris Wilson60 mins
Better from the hosts as Bergvall skips past a challenge in the box before winning a corner.
Kudus delivers the set-piece and it’s a great ball in, but the ‘keeper does well to punch it away near his own line.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:15 , Chris Wilson57 mins
A decent counter from Spurs, led by Simons, but it ends with Bergvall firing well wide from distance.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:13 , Chris Wilson55 mins
CLOSE! A better chance for the visitors here, as Gueye wins the loose ball from Vicario’s clearance. It goes wide to Pepe and he drives into the area before sliding a low effort narrowly wide of the far post.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:12 , Chris Wilson53 mins
It’s been a sloppy start from Spurs and they’re inviting pressure now, as the visitors win a corner.
Foyth wins the header from the set-piece but it goes wide and Gueye can’t hook it back into the danger zone.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:09 , Chris Wilson51 mins
A vital intervention from van de Ven here, as he slides it to prevent Mikautadze going one-v-one with Vicario.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:08 , Chris Wilson50 mins
Another opening for Villarreal but they fail to capitalise after Pepe is tackled.
It’s been another slow start.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:05 , Chris Wilson47 mins
Spurs have to deal with an early Villarreal attack but it comes to nothing.
KICK-OFF! Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:03 , Chris WilsonBack underway in the capital.
HALF-TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
21:01 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are coming back out from the tunnel so the second half should be getting started soon.
HALF-TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:56 , Chris WilsonIt’s been a fairly tepid half of football, but Spurs find themselves ahead thanks to a howler from the visiting ‘keeper.
The hosts have been on top overall but home fans will be worried to see the gaps opening up in midfield and defence at times, even if Romero and van de Ven have been solid so far.
All going to plan for Thomas Frank overall though!
HALF-TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:51 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:47 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the half to an end and overall Spurs have been good value for their lead, despite the luck they had in getting it.
They’ve limited the visitors to little barring one great chance, and they’ve dominated the ball for large portions of the first 45.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:46 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Spurs remain open on the counter but Sarr covers this one well. We’ll have one minute of added time in the first half.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:45 , Chris Wilson44 mins
The half is ending with good pressure from Spurs, as the Villarreal ‘keeper punches off his line before Richarlison’s cross is turned behind for a corner.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:43 , Chris Wilson41 mins
The set-piece comes into the near post but Bentancur can’t direct a header on target.
Spurs win possession back quickly, and before long there is another penalty appeal as the ball bounces into Gueye’s arm off Bergvall.
It comes out to Simons and he fires just wide from distance, while the VAR check dismisses the penalty call.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:40 , Chris Wilson39 mins
Bergvall has picked up another good position on the right and this time his cross is blocked by an arm, so Spurs will have a free-kick from a crossing position just outside the box.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:38 , Chris Wilson37 mins
Check over. Richarlison tried to get his body in front of the defender but it was more him initiating the contact rather than Gueye.
We go again.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:37 , Chris Wilson35 mins
Another yellow, this time for Comesana, as he drags Bergvall down by the neck. Spurs will have the chance to deliver the free-kick into the area.
Kudus eventually swings it in and there’s pinball in the box before Richarlison goes down, but the referee waves it away.
And another booking as Mourino brings down Simons.
There’s a penalty check too! It’s 50/50 but Richarlison does get there before the defender...
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:34 , Chris Wilson33 mins
Richarlison is next in the book after clipping Foyth.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:33 , Chris Wilson32 mins
There’s another fairly promising opening in front of Mikautadze, but Romero slides in brilliantly to win the ball near the edge of his own box.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:31 , Chris Wilson30 mins
We have the first yellow of the night as Simons goes over the foot of Cardona. Very soft.
A bit of lull in activity since the goal. It’s not been one for the neutral so far, though both sides look fairly dangerous.
Pape Sarr tries from distance and stings the palms of the Villarreal ‘keeper.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:28 , Chris Wilson27 mins
Kudus picks up the loose ball near the box and drives on, but he sees a shot from range blocked.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:26 , Chris Wilson24 mins
CLOSE!
Not a lot from either side in terms of clear-cut chances, but this is a glorious chance!
Pepe knocks the ball into the space before winning the bouncing ball off Romero on the edge of the box.
He looks up and squares it to Buchanan who is unmarked and in acres of space as he tends the box, but his first-time finish flies well wide of the far post!
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:21 , Chris Wilson21 mins
There has been space in midfield for Villarreal to counter but Spurs are re-grouping very well in defence so far.
They win it and go on the counter before a speculative effort from Spence is saved.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:19 , Chris Wilson18 mins
Good work on the counter from Buchanan but he’s too isolated and Bentancur recovers well.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:18 , Chris Wilson16 mins
They were helped by the howler but it’s been a solid start from Spurs. More good work from Kudus gives Bentancur a shooting chance on the edge of the box, but his shot is deflected wide.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:13 , Chris Wilson13 mins
Better from the visitors as they win the ball on halfway and former Arsenal man Nicolas Pepe drives towards the box before cutting back out and seeing his curled shot deflected behind for a corner.
Richarlison heads the set-piece clear.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:12 , Chris Wilson11 mins
Some good work from Mikautadze – who some may remember from Georgia’s memorable Euro 2024 campaign – as the striker holds up well and spreads it wide, before the cross from Gueye has too much on it.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:10 , Chris Wilson8 mins
A long throw from the visitors fails to cause problems in the Spurs box. The hosts look comfortable for now.
Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:07 , Chris Wilson6 mins
Half a chance for the visitors now as Vicario punches clear straight to a yellow shirt, and the incoming shot almost catches him off his line but is deflected behind for a corner.
GOAL! Tottenham 1-0 Villarreal
20:05 , Chris Wilson4 mins
GOAL! It’s a gift and Spurs are ahead!
Spurs work it wide to Bergvall in the space and he drives into the box before whipping a cross towards Richarlison.
It’s a tame cross and Luiz Júnior comes to collect it, but almost inexplicably he manages to lose control of it and it bounces backwards into the empty net!
Tottenham 0-0 Villarreal
20:03 , Chris Wilson2 mins
An early sighter for Spurs as a free-kick from deep drops nicely to Simons on the edge of the box, but he fires over.
KICK-OFF! Tottenham 0-0 Villarreal
20:01 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium!
Tottenham vs Villarreal LIVE
19:56 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are out on the pitch, and we’re moments away from kick-off!
Tottenham vs Villarreal LIVE
19:54 , Chris WilsonElsewhere, we have the first two results from the 2025/26 competition!
Arsenal have beaten Athletic Bilbao 2-0 at the San Mames, while Belgian side Union SG have shocked PSV at the Philips Stadion.
Tottenham vs Villarreal LIVE
19:50 , Chris WilsonBoth sides getting ready in the tunnel as we approach kick-off. We’ll have the anthems soon at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Romero: 'We always want to improve'
19:45 , Chris WilsonCristian Romero also answered questions ahead of the match, telling the media that Spurs “have a great manager”.
“We always want to improve. If you take Bournemouth out, we've done well. We do our best no matter who we are playing against. It is always about increasing our performance and looking to improve,” he said.
On his new contract, he added: “I like the way we work, the way we train. Always things can improve but I think everyone here at all levels are taking the right steps to improve. I am very happy here."
Frank: 'I believe I have a fantastic squad'
19:37 , Chris WilsonSpeaking ahead of the match today, Spurs boss Thomas Frank told the media that he believes he has “a fantastic squad” who “would like to go as far as possible”.
“I think the most important thing is that it's one game at a time. Villarreal are a very good team, I've been very impressed when I've studied them, but we'll do everything we can to get a good start. It's going to be a good challenge,” he said.
When asked about what sort of points total he was targeting, the Dane said that he will take it “one game at a time”.
Match stats
19:30 , Chris Wilson42 percent of Tottenham’s goals in the Champions League (since 1992/93) have been scored by Harry Kane or Son Heung-min (37/89).
Following the departures of both, the only current Tottenham player with more than one goal for the club in the competition is Richarlison (2).
Villarreal forward Georges Mikautadze has been directly involved in seven goals in eight starts in major European competition to date
Spurs' league phase fixtures
19:20 , Chris WilsonToday marks the first of Tottenham’s eight league phase fixtures – you can see the other ones below:
Tuesday, 30 September 8pm
Bodo/Glimt (A)
Wednesday, 22 October 8pm
Monaco (A)
Tuesday, 4 November 8pm
Copenhagen (H)
Wednesday, 26 November 8pm
Paris St-Germain (A)
Tuesday, 9 December 8pm
Slavia Prague (H)
Tuesday, 20 January 8pm
Borussia Dortmund (H)
Wednesday, 28 January 8pm
Eintracht Frankfurt (A)
Match stats
19:10 , Chris WilsonVillarreal have played 14 matches against English opponents in the UEFA Champions League and are still looking for their first victory (D6 L8), while losing each of the last seven in a row.
Tottenham have only won their opening game of a European Cup/UEFA Champions League campaign in two of their seven attempts (D2 L3). However, those two have arrived on the last two occasions where they have played their opener at home.
Head-to-head
19:00 , Chris WilsonThis will be the first competitive meeting between Tottenham and Villarreal, with the Spanish side winning 4-1 in a friendly in 2010 in their only previous match.
Spurs have won just one of their last 13 matches against Spanish opposition in major European competition.
Thomas Frank reflects on journey to ‘special’ Champions League debut with Tottenham
18:50 , Chris WilsonTottenham Hotspur boss Thomas Frank will allow himself "two minutes" to soak up his maiden fixture in the Champions League before he shifts focus to a first win in the competition.
Tuesday's visit of Villarreal will be a debut match in Europe's elite tournament for the 51-year-old and add another notable honour in an impressive career.
Frank honed his skills as a PE teacher in his native Denmark before roles in the Danish national team youth set-up, Brondby and Brentford earned him an opportunity at Spurs this summer.
Thomas Frank reflects on journey to ‘special’ Champions League debut with Tottenham
Confirmed line-ups
18:49 , Will CastleThomas Frank makes just two changes for his first Champions League game, with Richarlison and Rodrigo Bentancur coming into the side as Mathys Tel and Joao Palhinha make way. Randal Kolo Muani’s wait to make his debut goes on.
For Villarreal, former Spurs defender Juan Foyth captains the side while Nicolas Pepe, who spent time at Arsenal and is thriving in LaLiga at the moment, starts on the left. Thomas Partey, who is due in court tomorrow on rape and sexual assault charges, is on the bench.
Tottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Spence; Bentancur, Bergvall, Sarr; Kudus, Richarlison, Simons.
Villarreal XI: Junior; Mourino, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona; Buchanan, Comesana, Gueye, Pepe; Perez, Mikautadze.
Your Champions League Spurs side 👊 pic.twitter.com/A9PyeplPOh
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) September 16, 2025
🟡 ONCE INICIAL 🟡#UCL pic.twitter.com/gd7m3xrG5H
— Villarreal CF (@VillarrealCF) September 16, 2025
Team news
18:15 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups should be released in the next 15 minutes or so, so here’s a reminder of the early Spurs team news...
Dominic Solanke missed Tottenham’s demolition of West Ham on the weekend and is a big doubt for Tuesday as he nurses an ankle injury. He will likely join confirmed absentees James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski - both of whom are out with long-term injuries - while Mathys Tel and Yves Bissouma are ineligible after being snubbed from the squad. New signing Randal Kolo Muani could make his debut up top in Solanke’s stead.
The Champions League’s existential threat is closer than you think
18:00 , Chris WilsonIn the days before this Champions League season began, there was considerable agitation about one big topic that may yet change its future.
The Uefa Executive Committee met on Thursday, after a lot of lobbying, to allow LaLiga to play games abroad. It was ultimately decided that the issue had so many potential complications that it required more discussion.
LaLiga’s fiery president, Javier Tebas, would instead argue it’s all very simple, and point to this Champions League week. An unprecedented six Premier League clubs are involved, showcasing the competition’s uncatchable power.
The Champions League’s existential threat is closer than you think
Cristian Romero sees progress at Tottenham after previous ‘anger’
17:45 , Chris WilsonCristian Romero believes Tottenham are moving in the right direction again but has revealed anger at a failure to act like the "big clubs" sparked his previous explosive statements.
Romero helped Spurs to a first trophy in 17 years with Europa League success in May, which earned qualification into this season's Champions League.
European glory in Bilbao came at the end of a rollercoaster campaign and Romero was no stranger to a cryptic message. Back in December he claimed Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City's spending were "things to imitate" because Tottenham's structure meant they "could easily be competing for the title every year".
Cristian Romero sees progress at Tottenham after previous ‘anger’
Thomas Partey ‘ready’ to play against Tottenham on eve of court hearing
17:30 , Chris WilsonThomas Partey could play against Tottenham in the Champions League tonight despite the former Arsenal midfielder being due to be in court on Wednesday on rape and sexual assault charges.
The extraordinary scenario comes as Spanish club Villarreal, where Partey joined in the summer, arrive in north London ahead of the opening night of the Champions League.
Partey appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 5 August, where he was charged with five counts of rape against two women, as well as a charge of sexual assault against a third woman. The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022, when he played for Arsenal.
Thomas Partey ‘ready’ to play against Tottenham on eve of court hearing
Predicted line-ups
17:20 , Chris WilsonTottenham XI: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Palhinha, Bentancur, Sarr; Kudus, Kolo Muani, Simons.
Villarreal XI: Junior; Mourino, Foyth, Veiga, Cardona; Buchanan, Gueye, Parejo, Moleiro; Pepe, Mikautadze.
When is Tottenham vs Villarreal?
17:15 , Chris WilsonTottenham’s Champions League clash with Villarreal kicks off at 8pm on Tuesday 16 September at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the UK can watch the league phase game on Amazon Prime Video. New customers to Amazon can take out a free Prime subscription for 30 days; after that, it is £8.99 per month. You can also sign up for just Prime Video for £5.99 per month.
Team news
17:10 , Chris WilsonVillarreal will face a late fitness test for experienced striker Gerard Moreno, while Logan Costa, Pau Cabanes and Willy Kambwala are out. Returning to North London will be Juan Foyth, who is expected to start against his former employers, as well as ex-Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe, who has just been voted the LaLiga player of the season for August. Spurs loanee Manor Solomon is also eligible to face his parent club but will struggle to break into the starting XI.
Team news
17:06 , Chris WilsonDominic Solanke missed Tottenham’s demolition of West Ham on the weekend and is a big doubt for Tuesday as he nurses an ankle injury. He will likely join confirmed absentees James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski - both of whom are out with long-term injuries - while Mathys Tel and Yves Bissouma are ineligible after being snubbed from the squad. New signing Randal Kolo Muani could make his debut up top in Solanke’s stead.
Tottenham vs Villarreal LIVE
17:02 , Chris WilsonTottenham embark on what six months ago seemed an impossibility as they kick off their Champions League campaign at home to Villarreal.
Spurs finished a dismal 17th in the Premier League last term but managed to qualify for Europe’s premier competition through victory in the Europa League final, beating fellow strugglers Manchester United to win their first trophy in 17 years.
And under new manager Thomas Frank, they’ve started the season in fitting fashion of a Champions League team, racking up nine points from 12 in the league after taking European champions Paris Saint-Germain to the wire in the Super Cup.
They take on Spanish outfit Villarreal in their league phase opener, who have similarly started the season in fine stead and are fifth in LaLiga after four games.
Good afternoon
16:58 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Champions League match between Tottenham and Villarreal.
The hosts look to get off to the perfect start on their return to Europe’s top club competition, while the Spanish side are hoping to spring a surprise in London.
We’ll have all the latest team news, updates and build-up right here.
