Son Heung-min struck twice to fire Tottenham to victory against Hoffenheim, but Spurs were left hanging on in the closing stages of a tense encounter.
Tottenham Hotspur earned a crucial victory in their Europa League campaign with a nail-biting 3-2 win over Hoffenheim on Thursday night. Son Heung-min stole the show with a brace, while James Maddison also found the net to propel Spurs closer to securing a spot in the knockout rounds. The win offered much-needed respite for manager Ange Postecoglou, who has been under pressure following Tottenham’s struggles in the Premier League this season.
A Fast Start from Spurs
Coming into the match, Tottenham’s form had been abysmal, with the team losing seven of their last Premier League matches and languishing in 15th place. The Europa League, however, presented an opportunity to turn their fortunes around, and Spurs wasted no time asserting their dominance in Germany.
Postecoglou’s men got off to a flying start, with James Maddison opening the scoring just four minutes into the game. Pedro Porro showcased his creativity by delivering a pinpoint pass to Maddison, who struck a powerful shot past Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, sending the traveling Spurs fans into raptures.
Tottenham continued to pile on the pressure, with Richarlison, making only his second start of the season, coming close to doubling their lead. However, his effort went straight into the hands of Baumann. Despite the miss, Spurs looked sharp and determined, attacking Hoffenheim’s defense with intent.
Son Doubles the Advantage
Tottenham’s relentless pressure paid off in the 22nd minute when Son Heung-min got his first goal of the night. Maddison, in superb form, turned provider, setting up Son with a well-timed pass. The South Korean’s shot deflected off a defender, looping over Baumann and into the far corner of the net. At 2-0, Spurs appeared to be in complete control, and their attacking partnership of Maddison and Son looked unstoppable.
Hoffenheim’s Fightback
Despite Tottenham’s early dominance, Hoffenheim refused to back down. The hosts began to find their rhythm and created several chances to claw their way back into the game. Spurs’ goalkeeper Brandon Austin, making only his second start, was called into action to deny Tom Bischof with a full-stretch save just before halftime, ensuring that Spurs retained their two-goal lead heading into the break.
The second half began with Hoffenheim showing more urgency, and they nearly got a lifeline when VAR initially awarded them a penalty after Austin collided with Max Moerstedt. However, the decision was overturned, much to Tottenham’s relief. Minutes later, Hoffenheim finally broke through. A swift counterattack saw Anton Stach toe-poke the ball past Austin to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
Son’s Second Seals the Win
With Hoffenheim gaining momentum, Spurs needed a moment of magic to restore their cushion, and Son delivered yet again. In the 77th minute, the South Korean captain latched onto a perfectly placed pass and fired a precise angled shot into the net, making it 3-1. Son’s second goal of the night was a testament to his clinical finishing and composure under pressure, providing Spurs with some much-needed breathing room.
Two goals on a special night ✨
Sonny speaks after marking a landmark appearance with a brace in Hoffenheim ️ pic.twitter.com/vOw3F7EyZa
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 23, 2025
Late Drama as Hoffenheim Fight Back
Just as it seemed Spurs had secured the win, Hoffenheim reignited the drama in the closing moments of the game. In the 88th minute, David Mokwa capitalized on a defensive lapse to make it 3-2, setting up a nerve-wracking finale. Tottenham’s defense held firm in the dying moments, and they managed to see out the game, securing a vital three points.
Spurs’ Road Ahead in the Europa League
The victory lifts Tottenham to provisional fourth place in the Europa League’s revamped league phase, moving them closer to automatic qualification for the knockout rounds. With just one game remaining in the group stage, Spurs’ fate is firmly in their hands. A win against Swedish side Elfsborg at home next week would guarantee their progression as one of the top eight finishers.
The Europa League now represents one of Tottenham’s few realistic opportunities to end their 15-year trophy drought. Ange Postecoglou, in his second season as head coach, has promised to deliver silverware, and this performance will provide a glimmer of hope to fans desperate for success.
READ NEXT:
- Champions League Table as it Stands: Arsenal Near Last 16, Liverpool Remain Perfect,, and Manchester City Teeter on the Brink
- Chris Wood Signs Two-Year Contract Extension with Nottingham Forest
- Manchester United Expose Fragilities in Narrow Win Against Rangers
Key Performances: Son and Maddison Shine
Son Heung-min was undoubtedly the star of the night, delivering a captain’s performance with two crucial goals. His clinical finishing and ability to create chances out of nothing highlighted why he remains one of Tottenham’s most important players. Maddison also played a pivotal role, scoring the opening goal and assisting Son’s first strike. The duo’s chemistry was instrumental in Tottenham’s attacking success.
Goalkeeper Brandon Austin, despite being relatively inexperienced at this level, made several key saves to keep Spurs in the game. While the defense showed vulnerabilities, Austin’s composure under pressure was a positive takeaway for Postecoglou.
Defensive Concerns Persist
While the win was a morale booster, Tottenham’s defensive frailties remain a significant concern. The backline struggled to deal with Hoffenheim’s counterattacks, and the late goal from Mokwa underscored the need for greater defensive organization. Postecoglou will need to address these issues if Spurs are to progress deep into the competition and contend for the trophy.
Postecoglou’s Reaction
Speaking after the match, Postecoglou praised his team’s resilience and fighting spirit:
“We showed great character tonight. It wasn’t a perfect performance, but the players fought hard and got the result we needed. This win is a step in the right direction, and we’ll look to build on it in the coming weeks.”
