23 min: Mikautadze plays a cute reverse pass down the inside-left channel, nearly releasing Buchanan into the box. But Romero spots the run and nips in to intercept, at which point the flag goes up for offside anyway. But Thomas Frank will be pleased with his captain’s anticipation and calm intervention.
21 min: Simons advances down the left and crosses low. Junior gets down and handles competently this time, much to the crowd’s amusement. “Luiz Junior has surely put his name on the list of potential future Manchester United goalkeepers within four minutes of play on English soil,” suggests Justin Kavanagh. “Sterling work!”
19 min: Spurs have become long-throw experts in short order under their new boss. Bergvall launches one into the mixer. But Villarreal clear, Buchanan briefly threatening on the counter. Bergvall tracks back and ushers his man down a cul-de-sac. It feels like this game has goals in it.
17 min: Kudus dribbles elegantly down the right, sitting down a couple of defenders before cutting back for Bentancur, whose shot is deflected behind for a corner. Simons takes the set piece but it’s easily cleared.
15 min: There’s a lovely shot of Junior’s calamity from behind the goal. You can see the keeper’s face crumble in impotent distress as the ball spins backwards off his palms, beginning its inexorable journey towards the net. Nothing can be done, his fate sealed. One of the great goalkeeping howlers. Ah well, at least it’s not the final. Oh Loris.
