Brilliant Tottenham earn hard-fought draw away at Barcelona

Spurs had a night to remember at the Nou Camp as a 1-1 draw with Barca sees them progress in the Champions League.

After Ousmane Dembele’s opener in the 7′, Spurs pushed forward all game to grab an equalizer. It did take Pochettino’s men some time to grow into the game with several players starting shakily.

Kyle Walker-Peters had a tough job ahead of him and was burned by the aforementioned Dembele for the goal. However, he and Tottenham were able to find their footing and peppered Barca’s goal consistently throughout the match.

Heung-Min Son had the best chance in the first half, a one-on-one with Jasper Cillessen that was saved brilliantly. Barca’s Dutch keeper made a host of saves as he kept his side ahead. Spurs ended the first half the better side and split possession with the Spanish giants.

In a nervy moment, Phillipe Coutinho hit the bar at 45′ and the game was still 1-0.

Pochettino changed things early after the half to try and get his team level. The introduction of Erik Lamela allowed for another creative player to try and squeeze through Barcelona’s rigid defense. He came on for the Walker-Peters who managed to make up for his error with solid defending in the rest of the half. Moussa Sissoko moved to right back and Spurs began to look more and more dangerous.

Sissoko and Harry Winks played a key role in the midfield battle as they managed to hold tightly against the strong opposition attack. Sissoko also got upfield regularly, but just could not get the final ball right. As for Winks, he played much of the second half as the single midfielder and deserves credit for holding strong. After another strong performance from the Englishman, surely his worth has been proven to Spurs fans.

Much of Spurs attacking play came from their fullbacks, a trademark of Pochettino’s playstyle. Danny Rose made the most of his start and put in a shift reminiscent of his 2015-2016 form. His constant overlapping provided width along with crosses into the box.

Still, for all of Tottenham’s buildup, the goal they needed eluded them. Lucas was brought on for Sonny with 20 to play, along with Fernando Llorente for Winks in the 83′. Spurs were still pressing for a goal with Christian Eriksen having an effort saved.

Lucas was able to use his speed and ability to run around the Barcelona defense and caused them problems. The Brazilian came agonizingly close in the 84′ before having his header scooped off the line by Cillessen.

Moura was not to be denied however and he converted a cross a minute later to give Tottenham the vital point. Harry Kane worked the ball brilliantly down the left before sliding over to Lucas Moura. Lucas made no mistake with his first-time finish.

It could have been two a few minutes later. Spurs broke on the counter, after Coutinho hit the post again, through Erik Lamela. The Argentine played a pass into Kane who laid it off for Danny Rose. Rose’s strike blazed over the net and the whistle blew for full time shortly after.

With Inter Milan also drawing at home to PSV, Tottenham have advanced into the Round of 16. They have not made it easy on themselves, but in true fashion rose to the occasion when necessary.

Bring on the next round.