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Europa League wrap: Draws for Spurs and 10-man Rangers

Spurs players celebrate Pedro Porro's goal
Spurs players celebrate Pedro Porro's goal

Tottenham have work to do to reach the Europa League semi-finals after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Eintracht Frankfurt in the first leg of their last-eight tie.

Ange Postecoglou watched Spurs go behind after six minutes through Hugo Ekitike's fine long-range strike, but Pedro Porro pulled them level midway through the first half with a sumptuous back-heel finish.

FULL MATCH DETAILS

The Premier League outfit upped the ante after the break with Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur hitting the woodwork, while Frankfurt’s back-up goalkeeper Kaua Santos produced crucial saves to deny Son Heung-min, James Maddison and Micky van de Ven to leave the tie finely-poised ahead of next Thursday’s second leg in Germany.

This was Tottenham’s first European quarter-final since 2019, but a torrid domestic campaign meant it was another two-legged tie built up as make-or-break for Postecoglou, who stated on Wednesday the "general sentiment" was that even winning this competition may not save his job.

Liam Kelly was the penalty save hero as 10-man Rangers fought furiously to hold Athletic Bilbao to a goalless draw in an absorbing Europa League quarter-final tie at Ibrox.

Barry Ferguson made the big call to drop under-fire keeper Jack Butland for the Scotland international who sensationally saved a 79th minute spot-kick from substitute Alex Berenguer.

FULL MATCH DETAILS

However, long before that – in the 13th minute – the former Gers captain watched defender Robin Propper sent off for a challenge on Inaki Williams, after originally being shown a yellow.

The home side valiantly held out against Ernesto Valverde's side through 12 added minutes and have plenty to play for in the second leg in Spain next Thursday night – and Ferguson will be pleased with the attitude and application of his players.

Reigning Norwegian top-flight champions Bodo/Glimt beat Lazio 2-0 in the early kick-off after Ulrik Saltnes bagged a second-half brace.

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