Tottenham Hotspur entered their Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund knowing mistakes were not an option. A win was non-negotiable, and Spurs delivered in style, producing a performance that showed exactly what they can do when everything falls into place.
While the intensity dipped slightly after the break, the contest had effectively been settled. First-half strikes from skipper Cristian Romero and Dominic Solanke put Tottenham in command, tightening their grip on a top-16 place and sparing them the headache of an extra knockout tie. It wasn’t perfect, but it was unquestionably one of Spurs’ most impressive nights of the season.
Crucially, the victory stopped the slide that had begun to form in recent weeks. Confidence restored, Thomas Frank can now refocus on domestic duties, with a challenging Premier League trip to relegation-threatened Burnley next on the agenda. For much of the campaign, belief has been missing from key figures, but this display underlined the depth of quality within the squad — quality they have not always shown consistently.
Tottenham also reconnected with their winning feeling at home, led superbly by Romero. The Argentine was dominant at the back and set the tone by opening the scoring, reacting quickest to force the ball home from a messy set-piece.
Yet Romero wasn’t the only standout. Xavi Simons was arguably the evening’s star. Deployed centrally, the Dutchman orchestrated Spurs’ best moments, playing with confidence and creativity despite clearly not being fully fit. It was arguably his finest showing since his £52m arrival from RB Leipzig.
With Heung-min Son’s iconic Spurs era ending last summer, the search for a new on-field leader has intensified. Simons looks well placed to take on that creative mantle, but this Champions League night also revealed another serious contender.
Son’s constant threat from wide areas has been sorely missed, and while reinforcements may still arrive before January’s deadline, Wilson Odobert reminded everyone of the talent already in the building.
Odobert’s statement performance
The 21-year-old winger was sensational in front of Dortmund’s intimidating Yellow Wall. Operating on the right, Odobert tormented the defence, registering two assists and earning an 8/10 rating from football.london. His pace, movement and sharp decision-making repeatedly stretched Dortmund, while his link-up with Solanke gave Spurs a reliable attacking weapon. Henry Winter labelled him “unstoppable on the right,” a verdict that felt justified.
Though still developing, the signs are hugely promising. His direct running, speed and technical quality evoke memories of Son at his peak, and his seven duels won reflected maturity beyond his years.
Stepping into Son’s shadow
Son’s legacy — 173 goals and 101 assists across a decade — looms large. Filling that void is a daunting challenge, but Odobert appears to grasp what Spurs supporters demand: courage, intensity and responsibility. This display was compelling evidence that he has the tools to become a star.
Whether this proves a genuine turning point or another false dawn remains to be seen. Spurs have raised hopes before this season with big wins and spirited European nights, only to falter again. Still, if Odobert and others can replicate this level regularly, Tottenham may finally find consistency — and reassert themselves both domestically and among Europe’s elite.
