Tottenham Hotspur were left to rue missed chances as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final, with Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos delivering a stunning performance to keep Spurs at bay.
In a match packed with attacking flair and near misses, it was the visitors who struck first, capitalising on a defensive lapse in the sixth minute. Hugo Ekitike showcased his growing reputation with a low, clinical finish after being played through by Ellyes Skhiri.
Spurs responded with determination and flair, leveling the game 20 minutes later. James Maddison floated a clever pass into the box for Pedro Porro, who netted with an audacious backheel—his first goal in major European competition for the club.
After the break, Tottenham turned up the pressure, dominating possession and carving out a flurry of chances. But they were met by a wall in goal, as Santos—standing in for injured regular Kevin Trapp—made a string of world-class saves. He denied curling strikes from Son Heung-min and Maddison, while also producing a brilliant fingertip stop to push Micky van de Ven’s stoppage-time header over the bar.
Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur both rattled the woodwork during a frantic second half, as Spurs pushed for a winner in front of a restless home crowd.
With Spurs languishing in 14th place in the Premier League and already knocked out of both domestic cups, the Europa League remains their final chance at silverware this season. Head coach Ange Postecoglou, who is under increasing scrutiny, will be desperate for a turnaround in the second leg on 17 April in Frankfurt’s intimidating Waldstadion.
While Tottenham dazzled for spells, their lack of cutting edge in front of goal and Frankfurt’s resilient display has left the tie delicately poised. A thrilling night in North London ends level—but Spurs will feel it should have been much more.
