Ten-man Borussia Dortmund lose at Tottenham

Ten-man Borussia Dortmund fell to a 2-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur on Matchday 7 of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday.

Tottenham 2-0 Dortmund
Goals: 1-0 Romero 14', 2-0 Solanke 37'
Sent off: Svensson 24'

Two teams with identical records in the league phase of the Champions League faced off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, both looking to strengthen their positions for direct qualification to the round of 16.

Despite struggling in the Premier League where they sit 14th, Thomas Frank's Tottenham had been impressive in Europe, winning all three previous home games without conceding. The hosts faced significant selection issues, with just 11 first-team outfield players available, while Niko Kovač's Dortmund arrived as the joint-highest scorers in the competition with 19 goals from their first six matches.

Cristian Romero turns away in celebration after firing Tottenham into the lead with his clinical finish from Wilson Odobert's assist. - ADRIAN DENNIS

Romero breaks the deadlock

Tottenham started brightly, creating several promising attacks down the right flank. The hosts' pressure paid off in the 14th minute when Cristian Romero broke the deadlock.

A corner from the right wasn't properly cleared by Dortmund, allowing Wilson Odobert to retrieve the ball and deliver a low cross into the six-yard box where Romero was on hand to sweep home from close range. The visitors tried to respond but struggled to create meaningful chances.

The referee shows a red card to Daniel Svensson after reviewing the incident on the pitch-side monitor, leaving Dortmund to play over an hour with ten men - IMAGO/Daniel Weir

Red card changes the game

Dortmund's task became significantly harder midway through the half when Daniel Svensson was shown a straight red card. The Swedish defender lost possession in Tottenham's half and, while stretching to regain the ball, caught Odobert with a high boot.

Initially shown a yellow card, referee Glenn Nyberg upgraded to red after consulting the pitch-side monitor. With the numerical advantage, Tottenham seized control and doubled their lead in the 37th minute when Dominic Solanke diverted Odobert's low cross past Gregor Kobel via the inside of the post.

Xavi Simons battles for possession against Jobe Bellingham in a hotly contested midfield duel during the Champions League clash. - IMAGO/David Klein

Dortmund show fight despite disadvantage

Kovač made two changes at half-time, bringing on Julian Ryerson and Emre Can for Julian Brandt and Serhou Guirassy, looking to stabilise his team. The tactical adjustment worked to an extent, with Dortmund showing more resilience and even enjoying equal possession despite being a man down.

They created their first meaningful chance when Ryerson's free-kick from the edge of the box curled just wide. That was about as good as it got for the visitors until Schlotterbeck's powerful header was saved by Vicario in stoppage time on a night to forget for Dortmund.

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