Moura strikes to ensure Spurs avoid drop into Europa League
LUCAS MOURA’S dramatic late goal sent Tottenham through to the Champions League knockout stages by earning this draw at Barcelona.
Spurs, who had to match Inter Milan’s result against PSV Eindhoven, were heading out of the competition and into the Europa League for the second time in three seasons as they trailed to Ousmane Demebele’s early goal for most of the game and the Italians came from behind to level.
But, having missed chance after chance at the Nou Camp, Moura finally came to Spurs’ rescue as he converted Harry Kane’s cross with five minutes remaining.
It was the least they deserved
as only an inspired performance from Barca No 2 goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen protected his side’s five-year unbeaten run at home in European football, although ultimately they will be grateful to PSV for their favour.
A long night looked on the cards when the hosts, who were already through as Group B winners and opted to leave Lionel Messi on the bench, went ahead early on.
Young right-back Kyle WalkerPeters was at fault for Demebele’s seventh-minute opener.
Playing his first Champions League game because firstchoice pair Kieran Trippier and Serge Aurier were injured, he was easily robbed of possession by Dembele on the halfway line, then completely outpaced, allowing the France international to race in on goal and slide a finish under Hugo Lloris.
Barca, who had been withstanding prolonged pressure from Spurs, eventually saw their luck run out as Spurs grabbed their lifeline five minutes from time.
Kane broke free down the left and centred for Moura, who rammed home from eight yards.