Tottenham ‘force Chelsea change’ after win in Europa League
Tottenham secured their place in the Europa League semi-finals after a 1-0 victory away at Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday evening.
Dominic Solanke scored a penalty in the first half to secure a hugely vital victory for Spurs in their most important game this season.
This has now set up a Europa League semi-final tie with Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt, who knocked Italian giants Lazio out on penalties.
There is now a bonus for Tottenham fans on what was an enjoyable night in an otherwise miserable season, as they have now disadvantaged Chelsea.
Tottenham victory scuppers Chelsea advantage
Tottenham’s victory meant that they set up a Europa League semi-final tie, and this came on the same night that Chelsea lost at home to Legia Warsaw.
Chelsea still progressed in the UEFA Conference League and have set up their semi-final tie against Swedish side FC Djurgarden.
| UEFA Europa League | Venue | Date |
| Tottenham 1-1 Eintracht Frankfurt | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium | 10 April |
| Eintracht Frankfurt 0-1 Tottenham | Deutsche Bank Park | 17 April |
Because both ties will be played on the same day, UEFA have elected for Spurs to play the home leg first, and this meant that the West Londoners had to settle for an away trip first.
Ben Jacobs confirmed this, revealing the news through his X account.
Is Tottenham’s supposed advantage over Chelsea a bad thing?
Tottenham being in the Europa League, rather than the Conference League, meant they are ranked much higher, and therefore get the priority over supposed date changes.
However, in European competition, it may actually be detrimental to Tottenham’s hopes if they are at home first.
Should Tottenham draw or lose at home to Bodo/Glimt, they will face a hostile atmosphere and increased pressure on the away trip in the second leg.
This was the scenario which faced them against Frankfurt, but they navigated past the noise to record a clean sheet and a victory.
Spurs will now believe that a place in the final is well within reach, but the Norwegian side will not be an easy opponent, given that they have had a few European upsets in recent years.
There will now be pressure on Spurs to win the home leg of the tie, as their disappointing defence this season could prove costly again if trying to protect a lead of their own.