Tottenham hold on to beat Villarreal 1-0 as Luiz Junior’s early own goal decides Champions League opener

Tottenham began their Champions League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Villarreal on Tuesday after an early own goal by Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior handed the hosts the lead in the fourth minute.

Lucas Bergvall’s low cross from the Spurs right forced the error when Luiz Junior dived at the near post, pushed the ball down with both hands and saw it squirt out and over the line. Thomas Frank’s side held that advantage to secure three points in a match marked by nervy moments and sustained pressure from the visitors.

The early strike quelled some of the pre-match tension for Spurs on a significant night: it was Frank’s first Champions League game in charge after his move from Brentford, and the stadium contained notable figures from the club’s new leadership circle, including Vivienne and Charles Lewis, non-executive chairman Peter Charrington and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham. Supporters reacted with laughter and loud whoops when the own goal was replayed on the big screens.

Villarreal, who finished fifth in La Liga last season, regrouped after the early setback and soon posed a consistent threat. Nicolas Pepe, booed early by some home fans for his Arsenal past, was lively and produced a number of dangerous moments, including a curling effort that troubled Tottenham’s defence. Tajon Buchanan should have done better with a chance created by Pepe after a rare defensive slip by Cristian Romero.

Tottenham manager Frank made several selection tweaks from the Premier League win at West Ham, recalling Rodrigo Bentancur and Richarlison after their international duties and handing a home debut to Xavi Simons, who had been signed from Leipzig late in the transfer window. Simons made a bright start, flashing a 25-yard effort over the bar, and looked lively down the left before being substituted after receiving a booking and picking up a cautionable second challenge.

Without the shielding presence of Frenkie Palhinha, Spurs appeared less secure at the back than in domestic play and were forced into a series of defensive interventions. Micky van de Ven, who was widely judged Tottenham’s standout performer on the night, received a yellow card for a late challenge in the closing stages that might have been a sending-off under a different official. Referee Rade Obrenovic and his VAR team rejected two strong appeals from Spurs for penalties in the first half, both involving Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye.

The only shot on target in the first half came from Pape Matar Sarr and was saved by Luiz Junior. After the break Villarreal increased the tempo, forcing Spurs into mistakes while pressing high and exploiting space in midfield. A header from Juan Foyth, who previously played in England, went wide from a corner and Pepe rattled the frame of the goal on a separate occasion after intercepting a Romero pass in midfield.

Villarreal manager Marcelino was booked for his protests as the visitors threatened to find an equaliser. Frank made tactical changes in response, introducing Randal Kolo Muani late in the game for his own debut as Tottenham sought fresh legs to see out the match. Spurs ultimately preserved their clean sheet and claimed a hard-fought victory to open their group.

The result gives Tottenham an early platform in a Champions League group that will test Frank’s squad depth as the season progresses. The manager will hope to tighten defensive cohesion without Palhinha and build on attacking combinations involving Richarlison, Bentancur and the newly arrived Simons. Villarreal, meanwhile, will reflect on missed chances and the fine margins that cost them in north London as they prepare for the next round of fixtures.