Tottenham Hotspur travelled to the Camp Nou with everything to do in an almost must-win game against Barcelona to get out of their group. As it turned out, they were done a massive favour by PSV Eindhoven who held Inter Milan to a draw and as a result, just avoiding defeat against Spanish giants was enough for Pochettino’s men to go through as they secured a 1-1 draw.
Spurs started slow, and they were punished early inside the first 10 minutes by Ousmane Dembele after a shocker of a mistake from young Kyle Walker-Peters. However, around the half-hour mark Spurs started showing signs of improvement and Heung Min Son got close to scoring. Philippe Coutinho struck the crossbar and Spurs went in one goal down at halftime.
The second half was a completely different picture as Spurs put on a scintillating display. They might have ridden their luck on a few occasions, but they were the better side and got their reward late as Lucas Moura scored an equaliser to send them through to the knockout stage.
Here is how they fared on the night.
Hugo Lloris 7
Looked assured in goal for the most parts. Couldn’t have done much for the goal. His distribution was sometimes off the mark.
Danny Rose 8
Rose was a constant menace down the left flank, and he put in a top performance on the night. Could have completed a win in the last moments of the match as he missed a great opportunity but overall an excellent game.
Toby Alderweireld 7
Was strong in his challenges and read the situation well. Calming influence at the back.
Jan Vertonghen 7
The Belgian is slowly getting back to his best after his injury. Formed a strong partnership at the back with fellow countryman Alderweireld and did a decent job on the night. His distribution was on point.
Kyle Walker-Peters 4
The youngster got a chance in this big game because of injury to the likes of Aurier and Trippier. However, he clearly wasn’t ready and was caught napping by Dembele early. Had a nervy game on the night.
Harry Winks 7.5
Got into the game in the second half as he made some excellent runs. Worked hard and did his defensive duties well.
Moussa Sissoko 7
Made his typical driving runs which were a significant threat to Barcelona’s defence. Worked tirelessly and was everywhere on the pitch.
Christian Eriksen 8
Produced some magic moments in the final third. Was at his best and had a major influence in every Spurs attack. Unlucky to not score.
Dele Alli 6
Not as effective as he would have liked, but we can’t fault him for his effort. His goalbound shot was brilliantly blocked. His touch was slightly off on the night.
Heung Min Son 7.5
His dynamic style of play caused a lot of problem to Barcelona’s defence. His pace was a big threat to the home side.
Harry Kane 6.5
Hardly got involved in the first half. But had some influence in the second. Assisted the all-important equaliser.
Substitutes
Lucas Moura 7
Tucked in the goal well after Kane played him a good square pass.
Erik Lamela N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
Fernando Llorente N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
