The Tottenham match against Olympique Lyonnais in the Europa League might not rank with the classic European evenings at White Hart Lane but with three outstanding goals including a last ditch added time winner from Gareth Bale, the game will linger long on the memory of those who were fortunate enough to be present. The result sets up nicely next week’s 2nd leg game in France.
Outside White Hart Lane – you’re in for something special. [Photo: Logan Holmes]
[Photo: Logan Holmes]
[Photo: Logan Holmes]
The pre-match big screen. [Photo: Logan Holmes]
[Photo: Jav The_DoC_66]
Steed Malbranque, now with Lyon. [Photo: Jav The_DoC_66]
Lyon last played at White Hart Lane in a ECWC match in 1967 while Steed Malbranque who was with Tottenham for two seasons was in the Lyon team. He joined Spurs from Fulham in August, 2006. Malbranque was a hard-working midfield player and was in the team for the 2008 Carling Cup Final win over Chelsea at Wembley.
One painful European experience for Malbranque at White Hart Lane was an early own goal for Sevilla in the UEFA Cup quarter-final 2nd leg tie in April, 2007. A header from a corner was going wide until he managed to divert it into his own net. He made 96 appearances for Spurs, scoring 12 goals.
In the summer of 2008, he joined Sunderland, remaining at the Stadium of Light for three years before signing for Saint-Etienne. After only one game, in unusual circumstances, it was announced that the club and player had mutually agreed to terminate his contract. Last summer he returned to his first club, Lyon, on a one year contract.
Let battle commence:
[Photo: Logan Holmes]
Tottenham team v Lyon [Photo: Jav The_DoC_66]
With the last kick of the match, Gareth Bale scored another sensational goal from a free-kick to continue his record of having scored ALL of Tottenham’s goals (6) in the last four matches.
Gareth Bale after scoring the winning goal. [Photo: Logan Holmes]
[Photo: Logan Holmes]
Team: Friedel; Walker, Gallas, Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto; Lennon (Sigurdsson), Parker (Livermore), Dembele, Bale; Dempsey (Holtby); Adebayor Subs: (unused) Lloris, Naughton, Dawson, Caulker
Tottenham scorer: Gareth Bale (2) [45min. & 93 min.]
Topics: Europa League, Gareth Bale, Lyon, Soccer, Tottenham Hotspur
A retired Primary School Principal, I have supported Tottenham Hotspur since 1964. I've experienced the good days and many disappointments. Spurs is a club with a glorious history and many great players and I enjoy writing about the present team and reminiscing about days past.
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