Tottenham vs. Bayer Leverkusen: Score, Reaction to 2016 Champions League Match

Tottenham Hotspur face a huge fight to progress into the knockout stages of UEFA Champions League, as they were beaten 1-0 by Bayer Leverkusen at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday.

After a goalless first period, Kevin Kampl pounced on a loose ball in the penalty area to give the visitors the lead in the 63rd minute. Tottenham's best chance to equalise came via Eric Dier, who struck the bar with a free-kick seven minutes from time.

This result sees Spurs drop down to third place in Group E with two games to play; they remain on four points. Leverkusen jump into second on six points, while AS Monaco lead the way on eight after they beat CSKA Moscow, who have just two.

In the nascent stages of this one, it was Leverkusen who settled the better of the two sides, with Spurs looking nervous in their defensive duties. Bleacher Report’s Sam Tighe was impressed with the aggressive approach the visitors took early on:

After the early flurry from the Bundesliga outfit, Tottenham slowly secured a foothold in the game. However, neither side was able to control the contest, making for a fractured affair between two intense sides.

It took until the 22nd minute before either goalkeeper was called into action, with Bernd Leno on hand to smother a dangerous cross from Moussa Sissoko.

Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images

Things got even more difficult for Spurs half an hour into the game, too, as Vincent Janssen replaced Mousa Dembele. Initially it was assumed the Belgium international was injured, although after some heated words on the sidelines, Goal’s Harry Sherlock wasn’t so sure:

"

Poch and Dembele arguing on the sidelines

— Harry Sherlock (@Harry_Sherlock) November 2, 2016"

However, the change didn’t assist Tottenham, as Leverkusen conjured the best chance of the half. The ball dropped to Javier Hernandez on the edge of the area, but Jan Vertonghen blocked his shot.

Nevertheless, after both sides failed to find inspiration in the final third for most of the opening period, 0-0 was a fair reflection of a poor game at the break. Zonal Marking’s Michael Cox summed up the problems both teams were having in their play:

Spurs started the second half on top and had a decent penalty shot waved away early on when Dele Alli was felled in the area; Christian Eriksen then flashed a shot just wide of Leno’s post. Kyle Walker also went close after a powerful surge down the right flank, but he couldn't hit the target with his shot.

Leverkusen remained a threat on the break, though, and after a defensive error from Dier, Hernandez had a shot blocked, and Hugo Lloris stopped his follow-up on the line.

Ian Walton/Getty Images

Still, the hosts didn't heed the warning, and soon after, the German side were ahead. Admittedly, there was a touch of fortune about the way the ball made its way to Kampl in the area, as Charles Aranguiz's shot took two deflections into the midfielder's path. From close range, he made no mistake.

Per Squawka Football, Tottenham haven't started games particularly well at Wembley, which is being used as their temporary home in this competition:

The assembled home support called for a response from Spurs after falling behind, but with a lead to cling on to, Leverkusen's efforts in defence seemed to intensify again.

Indeed, Tottenham's best chance to equalise actually came from a set piece, with Dier rattling a shot against the crossbar. That effort aside, the visitors were relatively comfortable in seeing out an important win. 

While playing at Wembley will be unfamiliar for Spurs, the standard of performance on show from Mauricio Pochettino's side is a long way short of what they're capable of. Overall, their form has been poor as of late, with no wins in their last six matches in all competitions now; they visit north London rivals Arsenal on Sunday, too.

Leverkusen deserve immense credit for the way they approached this one, going toe-to-toe with one of the most industrious sides in European football. It was a brave approach that yielded great reward, and Roger Schmidt's side will feel confident of making it to the knockout stages as a result.

Post-Match Reaction

Afterward, Pochettino refused to blame the unfamiliar surroundings. "If we analyse the game, we created the same number of chances and have more possession but the feeling was always that is was difficult to score," he said, per BBC Sport. "We don't have the freedom to play and show real quality. After two games at Wembley, both have been poor. It is not an excuse, it is the truth."

Meanwhile, Alli lamented the profligacy that's creeped into Tottenham's game. "I don’t think anyone can work out what is wrong," he said, per the same source. "We are playing well but we have got to finish our chances and have got to keep going. [...] We are a young team but we expect ourselves to perform against anyone."