LONDON – Tottenham Hotspur got a big UEFA Champions League win on Tuesday, 20 January 2026, beating Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. It was a strong night for Thomas Frank and his players after a tough start to 2026 in the domestic games. Spurs took charge early, scored twice before the break, and looked even more comfortable after Dortmund went down to 10 men.
The result also kept Tottenham’s long unbeaten home run in European matches going, now stretching to 24 games. It leaves Spurs well placed in the Champions League league phase, with a knockout spot within reach ahead of the final fixture.
Tottenham came out with real energy. They pressed high, moved the ball quickly, and created chances from the first few minutes. Dortmund struggled to settle and rarely got out of their own half.
The opening goal arrived in the 14th minute. Spurs made a corner count as Wilson Odobert swung in a dangerous delivery. After the first effort didn’t go in, the ball dropped kindly for Cristian Romero, who reacted quickest and flicked in from close range. It was Romero’s first Champions League goal of the season, and it gave the home crowd an early lift.
By half-time, the pattern was clear. Tottenham had 11 shots in the first half, Dortmund had none.
Dortmund Red Card Makes the Job Harder
The match swung even further Tottenham’s way in 26 minutes. Dortmund defender Daniel Svensson was first shown a yellow card for a foul, but VAR sent the referee back for a second look. The challenge was judged reckless, and the booking became a red.
With Dortmund down to 10 men for most of the match, Spurs had the space and time to control the game. The visitors still tried to stay compact, but they couldn’t cope with Tottenham’s movement in wide areas.
Tottenham made their control count again just before half-time. Odobert was involved once more, driving forward and sending a low cross into the box. Dominic Solanke was in the right place and forced the ball home from close range.
It was Solanke’s first Champions League goal, scored on his first start in the competition this season. Spurs went into the interval 2-0 up, and it felt fully deserved.
Calm Second Half, Clean Sheet Kept
After the restart, Tottenham played with maturity. They kept possession, slowed the tempo when needed, and gave Dortmund very little to work with. The back line stayed organised, with Romero leading by example.
Dortmund’s best moment came late on. In stoppage time, Nico Schlotterbeck met a ball into the area with a header, but Guglielmo Vicario reacted well and tipped it over to protect the clean sheet.
Frank used his substitutions to manage the minutes, including taking Solanke off after his goal and hard running.
Standout Performers and Key Talking Points
Wilson Odobert was one of the top performers on the night. He picked up two assists and kept asking questions down the flank. Romero’s goal and overall leadership stood out as well, setting the standard from the back.
For Dortmund, the red card was a turning point, but the bigger issue was their lack of threat. They couldn’t create clear chances and looked short of ideas with the ball.
This win eases some pressure around Frank and gives Tottenham another reminder that their Champions League form can be a real strength.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Borussia Dortmund: Match Stats
| Statistic | Tottenham Hotspur | Borussia Dortmund |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 2 | 0 |
| Possession (%) | 58 | 42 |
| Shots (on target) | 15 (6) | 7 (2) |
| Corners | 7 | 3 |
| Fouls | 10 | 14 |
| Yellow cards | 2 | 3 |
| Red cards | 0 | 1 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 88 | 82 |
Note: Statistics are approximate, based on match reporting and analysis from sources including ESPN, UEFA, and Tottenham official updates.
What the Result Means for Spurs and Dortmund
Tottenham now head into the final matchday in a strong position, with a win set to secure progress into the knockout rounds. For Borussia Dortmund, this defeat adds to recent problems and leaves them needing help from other results to stay in the competition.
Keywords: Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia Dortmund, Champions League, Thomas Frank, Cristian Romero, Dominic Solanke, Wilson Odobert, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, UEFA Champions League league phase
