Dominic Solanke's spot-kick fires Tottenham to Europa League semi-finals

Dominic Solanke's first-half penalty proved the difference, ending Frankfurt's 12-match unbeaten run at Deutsche Bank Park and sending Spurs to their first UEFA semi-final since 2019.

Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham's head coach, praised his squad's resilience. "I'm super proud of the lads," he said. "Going away in a quarter-final against a strong side, you need discipline and quality. They were outstanding to a man. Over two legs, we deserved to go through."

The match began with Frankfurt pressing early, as Kaua Santos' pinpoint 70-yard pass found Hugo Ekitike, only for Micky van de Ven to make a crucial last-ditch tackle.

Spurs weathered the storm and grew into the game, earning a penalty when Santos fouled James Maddison in the box. Solanke, breaking an 11-match goalless run, calmly slotted the spot-kick into the net.

After the break, Frankfurt pushed for an equaliser. Fares Chaibi's free-kick grazed the post, and later, goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario produced a stunning reflex save to deny Chaibi from close range.

Spurs remained dangerous, with Cristian Romero's header from a Pedro Porro corner whistling just wide. Despite late pressure from Dino Toppmoller's side, Tottenham held firm, becoming the first team this season to keep a clean sheet at Frankfurt's fortress.

Postecoglou dismissed speculation about his future, which some had tied to the outcome of this tie. "I'm the same manager today as I was yesterday," he said. "What matters is the dressing room. Do the players believe? Do the staff believe? That's what drives me. The rest doesn't affect what I do."

On Spurs' chances of lifting their first European trophy since 1984, Postecoglou remained cautious. "We don't look that far ahead," he said. "We've had a tough season with injuries to key players like Vicario, Romero, Van de Ven, Bentancur, and Solanke.

"When we're at full strength, we're a compelling team against anyone. We're in the final four now, and we've given ourselves a chance."

Meanwhile, Postecoglou told Spurs' media team that the squad's focus is now on recovery ahead of their semi-final first leg, with no new injury concerns reported.

The victory ends Spurs' four-match losing streak away from home and keeps their European dreams alive, setting up an eagerly anticipated semi-final showdown.

READ MORE: Virgil van Dijk commits future to Liverpool with contract extension