Randal Kolo Muani delivered a dramatic performance to haunt his former club, scoring a crucial goal that propelled Tottenham Hotspur into the Champions League last-16 with a hard-fought 2-0 victory away at Eintracht Frankfurt. The match, held on Wednesday 28 January 2026, saw Spurs overcome significant adversity to secure their place in the knockout stages of Europe's premier club competition.
Eventful Build-Up and Decisive Breakthrough
Kolo Muani's week had been marked by turmoil, including a car crash on Tuesday, but the Paris Saint-Germain loanee shrugged off the incident to make a late arrival in Germany. Despite being heavily booed by the Frankfurt faithful upon his return, he remained focused and broke the deadlock just 66 seconds into the second half. A clever set-piece routine allowed Cristian Romero to head the ball into his path, and Kolo Muani bundled it home from close range for only his third goal in 24 appearances for Tottenham.
Spurs' Resilience Amidst Squad Crisis
Tottenham entered this pivotal tie severely depleted, missing 14 players due to injuries and other absences, which added pressure on under-fire manager Thomas Frank. The team had struggled domestically, with just two wins from their last 14 Premier League matches, including a disappointing 2-2 draw at Burnley the previous Saturday. However, they showed remarkable resilience in Germany, dominating chances despite the hostile atmosphere.
Key moments in the first half included Wilson Odobert hitting the post with a powerful shot and Xavi Simons being denied by a vital save from Frankfurt goalkeeper Kaua Santos. The hosts threatened too, with Hugo Larsson firing over via the crossbar just before half-time, but Spurs held firm to keep the score level at the break.
Solanke Seals Victory and Progression
After Kolo Muani's opener, Frankfurt squandered a good opportunity through Aurelio Buta's poor touch, and Tottenham continued to press. In the 73rd minute, Frank made a strategic substitution, bringing on Dominic Solanke for Odobert. The move paid dividends four minutes later when Solanke ran through on goal and drilled a low shot into the bottom corner, securing Spurs' fifth victory in the competition and confirming fourth place in the league phase.
Broader Context and Implications
This result provides a much-needed boost for Thomas Frank, who has faced mounting criticism from supporters amid Tottenham's inconsistent form. The win not only books their spot in the Champions League last-16 but also highlights the squad's depth and determination under pressure. Kolo Muani's performance, in particular, showcased his ability to overcome personal challenges and deliver on the big stage, silencing speculation about a potential return to former club Juventus.
As Tottenham look ahead to the knockout rounds, this victory serves as a testament to their European pedigree and sets the stage for further excitement in the Champions League campaign.
