Tottenham’s first venture into Europe’s Premier competition in 48 years got off to a less than auspicious start as they lost 3-2 to Switzerland’s Young Boys of Bern. With the stakes being high Tottenham sent a near full strength squad with Ledley King being the main absentee as there were fears that the plastic pitch could aggravate his knee. However after 30 minutes Spurs dream of reaching the group stages looked to be in tatters as they went 3-0 down and to be fair looked a distant second best.

However some shrewd tactical changes and inspired substitutions allowed Tottenham to claw their way back into the game and one of those substitutes Robbie Keane was instrumental in giving them a lifeline when his skillful pass set up Pavlyuchenko who angled a thunderous shot past Young Boys keeper Marco Wolfli.This 83rd minute goal was enough to make Spurs favourites to progress.

In an entertaining match watched by a sizable crowd of 31,275 Young Boys who surprisingly knocked out Fenerbache in the previous round were ahead after 4 minutes thanks to Lulic and Bienvenu hit the second after 13 minutes. Things then looked all over for Spurs when Xavier Hochstrasser added the 3rd after 28 minutes, However soon after Harry Redknapp brought on Tom Huddlestone, andthis seemed to steady the ship and just before half time French Defender Sebastien Bassong pulled a goal back to give Tottenham hope for the second half.

Young Boys did have their chances in the second half but spurs did start to take control as the game wore on and their second goal should ensure they manage to progress when the two meet again on the 25th August at White Hart Lane.