Son Heung-min Shines as Tottenham Secures Vital Europa League Win

2025-01-24

Son Heung-min scored twice as Tottenham Hotspur secured a crucial 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim in the Europa League, boosting their hopes of automatic qualification for the knockout stages. The win came despite a nervy second-half performance, with Spurs holding on after Hoffenheim mounted a late comeback.

James Maddison opened the scoring for Tottenham in the fourth minute, finishing superbly after a precise pass from Pedro Porro. Son doubled the lead midway through the first half with a deflected shot that looped over Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann. The hosts pulled one back in the second half through Anton Stach, but Son restored Tottenham’s two-goal advantage with a clinical finish in the 77th minute. Hoffenheim’s David Mokwa set up a tense finale with a late header, but Spurs held on for the win.

The victory moved Tottenham up to fourth in the Europa League league phase, with a win against Elfsborg in their final group game next week likely securing a top-eight finish and direct progression to the round of 16. Manager Ange Postecoglou praised his senior players for stepping up, particularly Son and Maddison, while also highlighting the contributions of young players, including 17-year-old debutant Callum Olusesi.

Despite the win, Tottenham’s defensive vulnerabilities were evident, with Hoffenheim registering 22 shots, 15 of which came in the second half. However, the result provides a much-needed confidence boost for Spurs, who have struggled domestically and sit 15th in the Premier League. Postecoglou will hope this victory can be a turning point in their season.