Tottenham recorded a vital 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim in a thrilling Europa League encounter at the PreZero Arena.
Goals from James Maddison and Heung-Min Son gave Spurs an earl lead, and despite a spirited second-half fightback from the hosts, Son’s second goal sealed the win for Ange Postecoglou’s side.
The visitors couldn’t have asked for a better start as Maddison opened the scoring in just the third minute.
Pedro Porro provided a pinpoint assist, threading the ball through the Hoffenheim defence to find Maddison, who finished past goalkeeper Oliver Baumann.
The England international’s goal was Spurs’ fastest in Europe this season and set the tone for a dominant first-half display.
Tottenham doubled their lead in the 22nd minute. Maddison was again involved, capitalising on sloppy Hoffenheim defending to set up captain Son Heung-min.
The South Korean’s left-footed strike took a wicked deflection, looping over Baumann and into the net.
A special night for Sonny ✨ pic.twitter.com/X2CHbIodo2
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) January 23, 2025
The visitors could have added to their tally before the break, with Richarlison and Son both going close, but they headed in for half-time with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
The second half saw a completely different Hoffenheim side. Buoyed by their home supporters, the German outfit pressed Tottenham relentlessly and created numerous chances.
Their persistence paid off in the 68th minute when Anton Stach found the net.
A quick counter-attack led to David Jurasek delivering a low cross, which Stach expertly converted to give Hoffenheim a lifeline.
The goal marked the end of a long scoring drought for Hoffenheim in the Europa League, and the momentum shifted firmly in their favour.
Tottenham found themselves pinned back, with Hoffenheim dominating possession and creating wave after wave of attacks.
Kramaric came close with a looping header that struck the crossbar, while a penalty appeal involving goalkeeper Brandon Austin was overturned after a VAR check.
Despite Hoffenheim’s best efforts, Tottenham weathered the storm and delivered the decisive blow in the 77th minute. Youngster Mikey Moore, who had replaced Richarlison earlier, provided the assist for Son’s second goal of the night.
Rodrigo Bentancur initiated the move, playing the ball to Moore, who released Son with a perfectly weighted pass.
The Spurs captain raced into the box and fired a low shot past Baumann to restore their two-goal cushion.
There was more drama with minutes to go after David Ngabi Mokwa Ntusu headed home to make it 2-3 with stoppage time still to go.
But the visitors saw things out, moving closer to securing qualification from their Europa League group, while Hoffenheim were left to rue their missed opportunities as their struggles in the competition continue.
