Tottenham edge Villarreal in drab Champions League opener thanks to own goal

Just one shot on target between the two sides told the story of a forgettable Champions League group stage clash, but Tottenham fans will not mind – their team claimed a 1-0 win over Villarreal courtesy of an early own goal.

Ironically, the decisive moment did not even come from that solitary effort on goal. In the fourth minute, Spurs broke forward through Lucas Bergvall, whose low cross from the right looked harmless. Visiting goalkeeper Luis Júnior intervened clumsily, diverting the ball into his own net.

One mistake decides it

From there, the game fizzled. Both sides battled for control in midfield but offered little threat in the final third. Neither goalkeeper was seriously tested, and the match drifted without incident. The one error from Villarreal’s keeper proved enough to settle the tie and hand Spurs three points on opening night.

Next up, Tottenham travel to face Bodø/Glimt in Norway, while Villarreal prepare for a stern test against Juventus.

2025-26 UEFA Champions League

Tottenham - Villarreal 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: Júnior L., 4 (own goal) (1:0)

Tottenham: Vicario G.; Romero C.; Porro; Spence D. (Udogie, 69); van de Ven; Bergvall (Danso, 92); Bentancur; Simons Xavi (Johnson B-n, 76); Sarr P. (Palhinha, 69); Kudus; Richarlison (Kolo Muani, 77)
Substitution: Udogie (from 69); Palhinha (from 69); Johnson B-n (from 76); Kolo Muani (from 77); Danso (from 92)
Bench: Kinský; Austin; Davies; Gray; Odobert; Scarlett
Yellow Cards: Simons Xavi 30; Richarlison 33; Kolo Muani 78; van de Ven 84

Villarreal: Júnior L.; Veiga; Mourino; Cardona S. (Akhomach, 75); Foyth; Gueye P.A. (Partey T., 78); Comesaña; Buchanan T. (Moleiro, 82); Mikautadze; Pépé N. (Dani Parejo, 78); Perez A. (Pedraza A., 75)
Substitution: Pedraza A. (from 75); Akhomach (from 75); Partey T. (from 78); Dani Parejo (from 78); Moleiro (from 82)
Bench: Conde; Tenas; Altimira; Navarro; Marín Ra.; Solomon; Oluwaseyi
Yellow Cards: Comesaña 35; Mourino 36; Veiga 53