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Questions for Tottenham to Answer at Dinamo Zagreb

By Aaron Coe

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur scores their team's first goal with a overhead kick during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Wolfsberger AC at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 24, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 24: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur scores their team's first goal with a overhead kick during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Wolfsberger AC at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 24, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Tottenham, Wolfsberger, Dele bicycle kick
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 24: Dele Alli of Tottenham Hotspur scores their team’s first goal with a overhead kick during the UEFA Europa League Round of 32 match between Tottenham Hotspur and Wolfsberger AC at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 24, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

When Tottenham takes the field against GNK Dinamo Zagreb in the second match of the Round-of-16 tie, they will answer a few questions in the process. Tottenham needs to manage their minutes with a somewhat shorthanded squad. Most of all, we need to know if Tottenham can step up under pressure on the European stage.

Can Tottenham Qualify for the Quarterfinals?

The big question is not so much winning the game as it is qualifying for the quarterfinals. While Tottenham had their magical run to the Finals of the Champions League a couple of years ago, they have struggled at this Round-of-16 hurdle historically in Europa League.

Tottenham Hotspur has reached this Round-of-16 phase on three previous occasions. Spurs beat Internazionale in 2012-13 the first time the club reached this stage in this competition. Since advancing past Inter, Tottenham lost to Benefica (2013-14) and then Borussia Dortmund (2015-16) at this point before reaching the quarterfinals.

Even if we look back at the Spurs advancing past Inter, it was only on a single away goal that took Tottenham through. After winning the first match convincingly at home 3-0, the Lilywhites lost 1-4 on the road, with that loan road away goal advancing the team. Tottenham only takes a two-goal lead to Croatia for this big road test.

Spurs need to play well on the road to reach the Quarterfinals

The point is, Tottenham is not some guarantee at this stage because they have won this game so many times before. In fact, given the game is on the road, it only adds to the pressure on the Spurs. The match Thursday is the 11th knockout match away in Europa League play and the road has not been kind to Spurs.

"In the 10 previous away matches in the knockout phase of this competition, Spurs have only won once."

In the 10 previous away matches in the knockout phase of this competition, Spurs have only won once – in the previous round against Wolfsberger – and have drawn four and lost five. For Tottenham to have any real chance at winning this competition they must play well on the road and that includes Thursday where a win guarantees advancement.

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