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Thomas Frank enjoyed a positive European bow thanks to a calamitous blunder by the opposition shot-stopper Luiz Junior.

With minimal challenge, the Villarreal player dropped Lucas Bergvall's ball into his own net, handing the home team a dream beginning.

This represented previously Brentford boss the coach's first fixture in the event, but Spurs faced scares at times before the half.

Only a challenge by Micky van de Ven denied ex-Arsenal player the forward from curling in, while Tajon Buchanan sent a shot astray.

However a fine stop by the keeper kept out Spurs from getting a second when he saved Pape Matar Sarr's strike.

Villarreal came on strong in the second stanza, but the home side held strong to repel them.

Richarlison should have been more clinical with a opportunity as Spurs looked for a comfort goal, but finally it was not needed.

Review: Spurs Unconvincing but Defence Shines

It proved to be the victory the club aimed for on their reappearance to the European stage, but it was hardly a perfect display.

The keeper's costly blunder got the home crowd going and could have been the platform for a commanding showing, but that was not the case.

Spurs' start to the campaign has been notable, with remarkable wins against West Ham and City, but there was also a concerning performance in a loss to another side.

They showed more parallels to that fixture with a few sloppy passages of play and loose passes whenever they broke forward.

Despite that, their defensive work was resolute with the defender and Rodrigo Bentancur making vital tackles, notably in the later stages.

Success means Spurs are now without a loss in their last 21 matches at home in European competitions.

Player of the Match

Jersey: 37 Van de Ven

Score: 7.49

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Also of Interest

• European Football
• Tottenham Hotspur
• Football