New Delhi: It is funny how when Peter Crouch netted the winner against Manchester City to seal the Spurs' qualification into the CHamopions Legaue in 2011, the wiry forward said he was ready to absorb the experience of European nights at picturesque stadiums like the Santiago Bernabeu at Madrid. How he would have found belief in the saying 'Be careful what you wish for, it just might come true!'
With Tottenham being the surpsrise package in this year's competition, many did respect the fearlesness of the London club, but how they have proven thier mettle in the group stages for all teams to stand up and notice.
The 4-1 thrashing of Twente, the 3-1 mauling of defending chmapions Inter at White Hart Lane were just examples to show that Totteham Hotsspur mean business. By scoring 14 goals throughout the group stages, in turn going out the leaders of their group. While their free-scoring was highly appreciated, it was their defensive frialities and thier inability to keep a clean sheet which was looked on.
But after being pitted against Italian titans AC MIlan, Tottenham showed that Champions league is where they belong, clinching a vital away win, thanks to a solitary peter Crouch goal, and more importantly keeping a clean sheet away from home.
The return leg at White Hart Lane saw the Spurs put up their best defensive display so far in the Chamopions LEague by thier standards, keeping at bay a desperate AC Milan attacking on full tilt to sneak a goal, but resolute defending by old warhorse William Gallas and co. made sure that the fairytale continues for the London club.
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