Brennan Johnson and Dominic Solanke scored as 10-man Spurs comfortably defeated a profligate Qarabag.

**Tottenham Hotspur Kick Off Europa League Campaign with Convincing Win Over Qarabag**

In a thrilling return to European football, Tottenham Hotspur secured a resounding 3-0 victory against Qarabag in their UEFA Europa League opener, despite being reduced to ten men early in the match. Brennan Johnson, Pape Sarr, and Dominic Solanke were all on the scoresheet, ensuring a positive start to Spurs’ trophy bid.

The evening began with a 35-minute delay to kick-off due to severe travel disruptions, but the hosts quickly found their rhythm. Just eight minutes in, Radu Dragusin received a straight red card for a foul on Juninho, leaving Spurs to navigate the remainder of the match with a numerical advantage.

Tottenham wasted no time capitalising on their situation, taking the lead just four minutes later. Johnson, in fine form, slotted home his third goal in as many matches after a clever assist from Solanke. The Lilywhites were in control, and their dominance continued into the second half.

Seven minutes after the break, Sarr doubled the lead with a well-placed volley from a right-wing corner, showcasing Spurs’ attacking prowess. However, Qarabag proved to be a persistent threat, with Juninho striking the post and Toral Bayramov hitting the crossbar from a missed penalty.

Despite their efforts, the Kazakhstani side could not find the back of the net, and Solanke sealed the victory with a simple tap-in 22 minutes from time, following a spilled shot from Son Heung-Min. The only downside for Spurs on an otherwise triumphant night was the early withdrawal of captain Son, who will be crucial for their upcoming Premier League clash against Manchester United.

**Talking Point: Spurs Overcome Early Setbacks to Launch Trophy Bid**

It was an eventful evening for Tottenham, marking their return to European competition after a year-long absence. The combination of a delayed kick-off, an early red card, and a spirited performance from the ten men on the pitch made for a rollercoaster encounter.

Ange Postecoglou will be pleased with how his side navigated the potential pitfalls, especially given the high expectations surrounding the club this season. Spurs are considered one of the favourites in the Europa League, with many fans hoping this could be the year they end their long trophy drought. Postecoglou has previously stated that he tends to win silverware in his second season—could this be the year for the Lilywhites, who last lifted the trophy in 1984?

While there are many challenges ahead, this match provided a solid foundation for Spurs to build upon.

**Player of the Match: Dominic Solanke**

Dominic Solanke was the standout performer for Tottenham, working tirelessly throughout the match. He not only contributed a goal but also provided an assist, showcasing his growing influence in the team after an injury-hit start to his Spurs career.

**Player Ratings**

**TOTTENHAM:**
Vicario 8, Van de Ven 8, Gray 8, Dragusin 3, Davies 7, Bissouma 8, Sarr 8, Bergvall n/a, Johnson 8, Solanke 8*, Son 7.
Subs: Udogie 8, Kulusevski 7, Bentancur 6, Werner 6, Moore n/a.

**QARABAG:**
Kochalski 7, Hüseynov 7, Bayramov 7, Mustafazada 7, Cafarquliyev 6, Silva 7, Zoubir 7, Romao 7, Andrade 7, Benzia 7, Juninho 8.
Subs: Addai 6, Andrade 6, Jankovic n/a, Huseynov n/a.

**Match Highlights**

08’ – **TOTTENHAM RED CARD!** Radu Dragusin is sent off for pulling down Juninho after the forward intercepted the ball in the centre circle.

12’ – **GOAL!** – Tottenham 1-0 Qarabag: Johnson coolly slots a low finish into the far corner after Solanke’s fine assist.

52’ – **GOAL!** – Tottenham 2-0 Qarabag: Sarr scores with a smart volley at the far post following a corner.

58’ – **QARABAG PENALTY MISS!** – Bayramov sends Vicario the wrong way but blasts his spot kick over the crossbar.

68’ – **GOAL!** – Tottenham 3-0 Qarabag: Solanke taps in after the Qarabag goalkeeper spills Son’s long-range effort.

With this victory, Tottenham Hotspur have made a strong statement in their Europa League campaign, and fans will be eager to see how they progress in the coming matches.