Spurs edges Frankfurt out of UEFA Europa League

BERLIN, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Dominic Solanke's first-half penalty proved decisive as Tottenham Hotspur booked a place in the UEFA Europa League semi-finals with a 1-0 (2-1 aggregate) win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.

Frankfurt, buoyed by a 1-1 draw in London, started brightly. Hugo Ekitike went close early on, while Mario Gotze saw a promising effort go just wide. However, the hosts were dealt a blow in the 17th minute when Gotze limped off with a thigh problem, forcing an early tactical reshuffle.

Frankfurt maintained control but lacked the cutting edge as Spurs grew into the game. James Maddison had a shot saved before winning a penalty a few minutes later when he was brought down by goalkeeper Kaua Santos. Solanke converted from the spot just before the break.

Frankfurt pushed forward after the restart. Fares Chaibi tested Guglielmo Vicario with a powerful free-kick and the keeper was again called into action to deny the Algerian from close range. The rebound fell to Rasmus Kristensen, but the right-back shot wide.

Kristensen had two more chances late on but couldn't find the back of the net, while Ekitike's header from a corner went just wide. Despite a spirited second-half display, Frankfurt couldn't break through a disciplined Spurs backline.

The result marks the end of Frankfurt's European campaign, with no German team remaining in continental competition this season.

"We just didn't take our chances today. The penalty was soft, you don't have to give that. It's frustrating to go behind like that. We lacked precision in front of goal and didn't have the luck on our side," said Frankfurt sporting director Markus Kroschke.

"A semifinal is always tough, especially away from home. We had to dig in and defend and we did that well. I think we deserved to go through over two legs. I'm proud of the boys. It was a big night for us - well done to everyone," said Tottenham coach Ange Postecoglou. ■