Spurs succumb to 2-2 draw as Valbuena leads Olympiakos comeback

Having taken a two-goal lead at Olympiacos, Tottenham had to settle for a point in an unconvincing start to its Champions League campaign.

Published : Sep 19, 2019 10:50 IST

Harry Kane (R) clashes with Yassine Meriah during the Champions League between Tottenham and Olympiakos.
Harry Kane (R) clashes with Yassine Meriah during the Champions League between Tottenham and Olympiakos.
lightbox-info

Harry Kane (R) clashes with Yassine Meriah during the Champions League between Tottenham and Olympiakos.

Tottenham threw away a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2 at Olympiacos in its opening match of this season's Champions League.

Last term's finalist was two goals to the good after half an hour in Athens thanks to Harry Kane's penalty and Lucas Moura's excellent finish.

Mathieu Valbuena was the catalyst for a deserved Olympiacos comeback, though, setting up Daniel Podence for a goal on his debut in the competition before burying a penalty 54 minutes in.

Olympiacos seemed to target Davinson Sanchez at right-back in the early stages and one such attack led to Guerrero rattling the base of the left-hand post with a shot from just inside the area.

The home side was certainly the stronger until Kane fired a spot-kick high into Jose Sa's net, having been tripped by Yassine Meriah as he worked his way into the box.

There was another blow to Olympiacos four minutes later, as Ben Davies stole back the ball in their half and fed Lucas, who lashed a shot beyond Sa from the edge of the area.

READ | Man City comfortable in 3-0 win over Shakhtar

Pedro Martins' side grabbed a lifeline before the break, though, Podence exchanging passes with Valbuena and firing past Hugo Lloris' right hand.

Spurs were then punished again when some slack play from Christian Eriksen led to Jan Vertonghen standing on Valbuena's foot, allowing the French midfielder to send Lloris the wrong way from the spot.

Dele Alli was denied by the legs of Sa, who also kept out an effort from Erik Lamela, as Spurs failed in a late push for a winner, meaning they still have not won back-to-back away matches in Europe's elite competition.

 

What does it mean? Spurs frailties a growing concern

pochettino-cropped17x3g2rkzc6zg1kylp9qwoc6rajpg
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino will have to find a way to plug the defensive frailties.
 

The problems in Mauricio Pochettino's defence were apparent last term even as Spurs reached the final – indeed, they have now conceded 20 goals since the start of last season's competition, more than any other team.

While most would still expect them to progress from Group B, this was a stark reminder of Spurs' fallibility at the back. They might not have merited a 2-0 lead after 30 minutes, but a team of their standing should certainly not have surrendered it so meekly.

Olympiacos dance to Valbuena's tune

Valbuena set up Olympiacos' first goal and won and converted their penalty, capping a fine display in which he largely dictated the pace of the game.

Eriksen a shadow of himself

christian-eriksen-cropped1oeb43ps50h141a9qf3m9h4u25jpg
Christian Eriksen was off color against Olympiakos.
 

When Spurs threw away a two-goal advantage at Arsenal this month, it was a result that did not do Eriksen's excellent display justice. On this occasion, he summed up Spurs' frailties completely, offering next to nothing in attack and conceding possession in the build-up to Valbuena's penalty.

Key Opta Facts

- Tottenham failed to win a Champions League game having been two goals ahead for the second time and first since drawing 2-2 with Werder Bremen in September 2010.
- Since the start of last season, Spurs have conceded more goals than any other side in the Champions League (21).
- Olympiacos is winless in nine Champions League matches (D2 L7), its longest winless run in the competition.
- Only Ruud van Nistelrooy (19) and Roberto Soldado (19) scored their first 15 Champions League goals in fewer games than Harry Kane (20).
- Lucas Moura scored just his second goal from outside the box for Tottenham in all competitions and his first since August 2018 versus Fulham. The Brazilian has also netted four goals in his last three Champions League games, as many as he had netted in his previous 23 in the competition.

What's next?

Spurs – who face Leicester City in the Premier League on Saturday – play their second group game at home to Bayern Munich on October 1, when Olympiacos head to Red Star Belgrade.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment