Draw in Germany leaves Tottenham in control of their own UCL destiny

It was not the three points that everyone may have wanted. However, the point from a draw with Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany leaves Tottenham Hotspur in control of their own Champions League destiny. 

It has been a while since Tottenham Hotspur has found success on the road in Europe. The last time Spurs took three points in Europe was in November of 2020 when Tottenham topped Ludogorets 3-1 in the Europa League.

Spurs have played seven straight matches on the road without a win, beginning with the historically devastating 0-3 loss at Dinamo Zagreb. Since that loss, where Tottenham blew a two-goal home advantage, Spurs have been unable to find the form necessary to take points, earning only 1 point in the 2021/22 Europa Conference League on the road, a 2-2 draw with Rennes.

After conceding two late goals to Sporting Lisbon in the first road contest of this year’s Champions League, it seemed like the road form was continuing. That two-goal defeat meant Spurs had been outscored 14-6 during this seven-game winless streak.

Thus, while Tottenham did not win today in Germany, the fact Spurs held Frankfurt scoreless is a step in the right direction and puts Tottenham in an advantageous position heading into the final three matches.

Tottenham second in Group D at the midpoint of the group stage

Following the draw with Eintracht Frankfurt, Spurs are now 1-1-1 in their three Champions League matches. The four points from those three games and, more importantly, a net goal difference of zero have the Lilywhites ahead of Frankfurt on goal differential.

Tottenham has to feel good about their chances to advance with one game against each of the three teams, including two home contests.

Next Wednesday, Spurs host Frankfurt in the crucial home game, while Marseilles has to travel to Portugal after holding serve at home in France.

If Tottenham can take care of business from this point forward, they should be able to advance to the knockout stage. However, if things come down to a final road contest at Marseilles to determine who advances, at least Spurs will have taken a point in their last road contest to build confidence.

While it was not the outcome we ultimately wanted in Germany, the point puts Spurs in a position to control their destiny and is sometimes all you can ask.