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Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov were left torn over the referee's decision not to dismiss Micky van de Ven for a late challenge on Georges Mikautadze in Tottenham Hotspur's victory over Villareal.

Thomas Frank's first Champions League game was far from a blockbuster, but Spurs eventually ran out 1-0 winners after a hard-fought clash.

The game's only goal came early in the first half when Lucas Bergvall whipped a ball in to the box from the right which was spilled into his own net by visiting goalkeeper Luiz Junior.

Villareal huffed and puffed trying to get themselves back in the game, with former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe looking particularly dangerous, but were ultimately unable to claw one back.

The result however could have been very different had Rade Obrenovic chosen to dismiss Spurs defender Van de Ven as the match neared its close.

The VAR debate was sparked after Albert Moleiro played Villareal substitute Georges Mikatadze through on goal, with the Georgian eventually taken down by the home side's defender on the edge of the penalty box.

With the Villareal bench and players pleading for a straight red, the referee ultimately opted to hand van de Ven a yellow, a decision which divided opinion in the Amazon Sports studio post-match.

Berbatov, a former Spurs striker, argued: 'I think Spurs were lucky with this one, to escape with nothing.'

Before Rooney countered: 'I think it's a yellow card and the right decision was made. The ball is going away and the goalkeeper is in a good position. I think if the referee gives a red, it doesn't get overturned.'

Speaking to reporters post-match, Van de Ven was of the same opinion as Rooney but admitted he was worried about being dismissed at the time.

'Of course, you never know what the referee is going to do in that moment,' he said.

'I think because I go for the ball it's not a red card. I haven't seen it back properly, so I can't say what I think at the moment.'

The 23-year-old, who is so crucial to his side's defence when fit, hailed the victory as an 'important' one.

'I think it was a tough one,' he added.

'We didn't play well today but it was an important one. We had a really good start and of course you want to build on that but Villareal are a really difficult team to play against.

'Also, every time on the counter-attack they keep strikers forward, they're really dangerous. Of course you want to build on the 1-0 at the start of the game but at the end we got the three points and that's the most important.

'I think we are a difficult team to play against, for sure. Structure-wise we are standing really good and we all know what to do, so we're a difficult team to beat.'

The win's a significant one for Tottenham and Thomas Frank with difficult European fixtures against Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund to come.

This weekend they travel south to face Brighton & Hove Albion in a Premier League fixture.

Spurs currently sit third in the table on nine points having lost just one of Frank's opening four league games at the helm.

Tottenham were handed a gift of an own goal to open their European campaign when Villarreal goalkeeper Luiz Junior made a horrendous hash of an attempt to stop the hosts in their first Champions League tie.

The north London side are back at Europe's top table on the heels of ending their trophy drought with last season's Europa League triumph, with Spurs beating Manchester United in Bilbao to secure their spot in the league phase draw.

Under then-manager Ange Postecoglou, European qualification otherwise looked out of reach, as the team stumbled to a 17th-placed finish in the Premier League.

But with a chance to contest for ultimate European honours this term, Tottenham got their tournament off on the right note - with a helping hand from the opposition.

Not four minutes had passed when teen talent Lucas Bergvall stole down the right flank, sending in a good-looking cross to waiting team-mate Richarlison in the box.

But while the Brazilian stretched to poke the ball in, Luiz Junior managed to intercept it - only to spill his catch and watch helplessly as the ball drifted into the exposed net.

On commentary for Amazon Prime, Alan Shearer could scarcely believe what he had seen.

'The 'keeper comes out and makes an absolute hash of it,' the Newcastle legend said. 'What a gift for Tottenham.

'The 'keeper has a nightmare. What a gift.'

Noting the chants of 'ole' from the crowd, the Match of the Day pundit commented that the goalkeeper would 'get that all day' from the home faithful.

Luiz Junior was making his European debut for the club, with Shearer adding that he would 'never, ever forget' the mistake.

Fans on social media offered similarly savage criticisms of the shotstopper, with some comparing Luiz Junior to Manchester United loanee Andre Onana.

'He did an Onana,' one fan mocked.

Another added: 'Onana in disguise?'

United outcast Onana last week booked a loan move to Turkish Super Lig side Trabzonspor, but was unable to escape his woes between the sticks.

Onana was responsible for letting in another shot to lose his opening match against rivals Fenerbahce 1-0.

Thomas Frank's side clung onto their lead through the second-half to keep a clean sheet and record their first win in the Champions League since 2022.

Victory in Europe, again. Not quite amid jubilant scenes akin to Bilbao in May but the same outcome, a not-entirely convincing 1-0 win for Tottenham and a goal laced with terrific good fortune.

In the Europa League final, it was Brennan Johnson claiming the credit as the ball cannoned into Manchester United's net.

Here, there was not a Spurs player in the frame as Villarreal's Brazilian goalkeeper Luiz Junior pushed the ball into his own goal in the fourth minute.

It was as freakish as it was decisive, and Thomas Frank will happily bank that and move on from his first outing in the Champions League.

His team survived scares in the second half. Chief among them a foul by Micky van de Ven on Georges Mikautadze in the closing minutes, felling Villarreal's Georgia forward just outside the penalty area.

Van de Ven, his team's best player on the night, might have been sent off by another referee but he survived with a yellow card against the Yellow Submarine, who issued a reminder to their hosts of the step up in quality.

The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was built for Champions League football as we have been reminded often in the days since Daniel Levy was ousted as chairman. And it was strange to see others in the seat has occupied since it opened in 2019.

Vivienne and Charles Lewis, the two children of billionaire patriarch Joe Lewis were there, along with the new non-executive chairman Peter Charrington and chief executive Vinai Venkatesham.

This is the power base for the club going forward. The Lewis family promise to take more of an interest in their football club and here was a good early lesson. It will be tense and nerve-wracking at times and Spurs have been absent for two years from this elite level.

Frank though could not have asked for a more generous introduction to the competition as his team took an early lead. Lucas Bergvall fizzed in a low cross from the Spurs right and Junior contrived somehow to push it into his own net.

Richarlison was sliding in, but it would be wrong to pretend there was any real pressure on the Brazilian goalkeeper, who dived out at the near post, pressed two hands down on top of the ball and watched in horror as it squirted from his grasp and spun over the goal line.

Frank seemed almost too embarrassed to celebrate, instinctively punching two fists into the air and then moving them gently to the back of his head to smooth his hair.

The rest of the home crowd were not so generous, with roars of collective laughter and dramatic whoops as the comical error was replayed on the big screens time and again. Then bursting into ironic applause when the ball next came Luiz's penalty area.

Frank has judged most things well since taking over from Ange Postecoglou but you can't beat a stroke of good fortune to settle the nerves on a big.

And this was a big night, because it takes the Dane into unknown territory after his move across London from Brentford, where there was no European football to interfere with his recovery routine and tactical planning.

The onset of this Champions League campaign marks the point when his time on the training pitch becomes heavily reduced and the mental and physical strain on his players increases.

As it stands at present, he has the depth to tweak his team as he likes to do with Richarlison and Rodrigo Bentancur in for Palhinha and Mathys Tel.

Xavi Simons marked his home debut with a bright start and a whistling the first shot of the game over from 25 yards.

Villarreal, currently fifth in Spain's LaLiga, the same place they finished last season, settled confidently despite the early setback.

Nicolas Pepe, the target for boos during the early phase of the game for his Arsenal past, sparkled throughout. He went close to scoring a quickfire equaliser with a low curling shot deflected wide by Van de Ven.

And Tajon Buchanan should have done better with a chance created by Pepe after a rare mistake at the back by Cristian Romero as the visitors counter attacked.

Without Palhinha shielding the back four, Spurs did not look as secure in defence as they have in the Premier League but carried a threat going forward. Djed Spence and Simons have the makings of a good understanding on the left and Bergvall sparkled.

Bentancur and Richarlison also went close before the interval. Pape Matar Sarr forced a save with what proved to be the only shot on target in the entire game, and there were two strong claims for penalties, both involving Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye.

The first was a tap on a heel to fell Richarlison and the second when Bergvall flicked the ball up against a hand. Slovenian referee Rade Obrenovic and his VAR team were unmoved.

Villarreal improved again in the second half, hustling Frank's team into a series of mistakes as they played out at the back, which invited pressure. Juan Foyth, who spent four years as a Spurs player, glanced a header wide and Pepe fizzed another effort inches wide.

Simons was fortunate to escape a second yellow card. His trip on Pepe stopped a promising counterattack sparking fury on the Villarreal bench. Marcelino was booked and Frank took the cue and replaced Simons.

He threw on Randal Kolo Muani for a debut late in the game. And with an element of luck and that wipe-out challenge by Van de Ven on Mikautadze, Tottenham preserved their clean sheet and ensured a winning start.

Thomas Partey will start Villarreal's clash against Tottenham from the bench - just hours before the former Arsenal player is due to appear in court after being charged with five counts of rape.

The midfielder booked his move to LaLiga this summer after leaving the north London side on a free transfer.

But Partey does not feature in the starting XI as he returns to the capital to face his former north London derby rivals at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The 32-year-old's trip to London comes mere hours before he is expected at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday morning to answer charges of rape.

His hearing had previously been scheduled at the Old Bailey for September 2, but that appointment was adjourned without explanation on the day.

Partey is accused of two counts of rape against one woman and three counts against another.

An additional sexual assault allegation against the Ghana international relates to a third woman, as confirmed by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Partey appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court to face the charges earlier this summer, before being granted bail.

He was allowed to complete his transfer to Spain, and denies all charges against him, but fans of the club were incensed by his signing, launching a petition with the aim of stopping the move from going ahead.

Many booed and whistled as he made his debut against Oviedo last month, but the player has gone on to make four appearances for his new club.

Partey's manager Marcelino argued that his player is in the right frame of mind for what could be a charged return to north London for European action.

'I'm totally convinced that he is mentally prepared, technically prepared, to play the game,' the head coach said on Monday. 'For sure he will be ready. We are really happy that Thomas is with us for his football capacity and ability and his presence as a human.

'He is a great player with lots of experience. He has played in some top sides. We know he has a great ability and great level.'

The manager also implied that he believed there was too much focus on the star ahead of kick-off.

'We're interpreting stuff about and talking about a player that could be totally innocent,' added Marcelino.

'We are playing a game of football where the important thing is football. This is where football was invented, after all. We're talking more about Thomas than the game.'

Follow Daily Mail Sport's live blog for the latest score, team news and updates as Tottenham take on Villarreal at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in the Champions League, with Matt Barlow reporting from the ground - plus updates from Real Madrid vs Marseille.

Harry Kane says Chelsea fans’ dislike of him only makes him more motivated to torment them with Bayern Munich ahead of their Champions League showdown at the Allianz Arena.

The former Tottenham Hotspur striker will reignite his long-standing rivalry with the Blues, against whom the England international has scored eight times in his career.

Speaking at Bayern’s training ground to the visiting press pack, Kane said: ‘The rivalry was a good rivalry we had, especially early on in my Tottenham career, the (Mauricio) Pochettino era.

‘We had a lot of tough games, good games against each other. Playing against Premier League opposition, there's always maybe a little bit more expectation around the game.

‘Obviously, maybe the Chelsea fans don't like me as much, and obviously Arsenal fans don't like me as much, but that makes me want to play better, that motivates me.

‘There’s going to be some familiar faces that I've played against, some that I've played with with England. All those things added, it just brings a little something special around the game.

‘Being at the Allianz, having an English team here, as a team we like to try and stamp our authority on the game, and we'll try and do that. But we’re playing against a very good side, so we have to be at 100 per cent.’

Chelsea previously tried to sign Michael Olise from Crystal Palace – twice in separate windows – but he joined Bayern for £50million last summer instead. ‘I'm glad Michael is with us and not with them,’ Kane added when asked on Olise.

Meanwhile, Bayern boss Vincent Kompany admitted he had spoken with loanee Nicolas Jackson to extract inside information on his parent club, but that it only confirmed to him that he had done his own analytical work well.

‘If it wasn't for the fact that I watched already probably 40 games of Chelsea last season combined, because we were in the Club World Cup together and we faced a lot of the opponents that they faced,’ Kompany said. 'Last season, Chelsea were also just an interesting team to observe.

‘So I don't have the feeling that it's a team that will deliver a lot of mysteries. I happen to know the coach as well. But of course, you have the conversation (with Jackson). After a few moments, you realise that you've done your homework well or not. And it's nothing more than that.

‘Never forget, I like keeping this at the centre, we have our ideas, we have our tactics, we have everything. But in the end, it's the players. The players have to show their personality in these games to make a difference. That's what they need to feel.’

Thomas Frank has negotiated the first 96 days of his Tottenham rule with little fuss.

Through the minefield of contentious departures of his predecessor Ange Postecoglou, his captain Heung-min Son and his chairman Daniel Levy, the Dane has pitched more right than wrong.

He has spoken carefully, but more important than anything said has been unspoken message from the performances of his team.

Spurs are shaping up nicely as they approach 100 days under the new boss. Three wins out of four in the Premier League with only one goal conceded.

The tests are about to become tougher as the Champions League campaign starts.

The draw has been kind, but the added emotion involved, the drain of travel and demands on a head coach to navigate a way through, resting and rotating, trying to keep his key players fresh without losing the rhythm established and all the good habit adopted thus far.

On top of which, Frank is a novice in European competition. There were two failed Europa League campaigns while in charge of Brondby in his native Denmark, which did not extend beyond the qualifying rounds.

His tactical plan against Paris Saint-Germain in the Super Cup final, however, was enough to rock the European champions with a back-three and an aerial assault from set-pieces.

Although PSG were just back from their holidays after losing in the final of the Club World Cup, and still they fought back late in the game and took the trophy on penalties.

Even so, it felt like a tactical triumph for Frank in the early days of his tenure.

Indeed, the only real blemish has been a 1-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth in the Premier League, something for which he shouldered the blame.

'It was a bad performance and definitely didn't get better when I watched it back,' said Frank. 'I didn't help the players well enough in that game. I took the wrong decision in terms of the planning.'

His self-deprecation is part of his charm. Those who know him well talk of him as a skilled communicator and manager of people and if there were concerns about his ability to handle bigger egos they are fading.

Frank dealt quickly and decisively with Yves Bissouma's punctuality, dropping him from the squad for the Super Cup final for turning up late on more than one occasion.

Bissouma remains at the club but is injured and yet to appear for Frank. He is not part of the Champions League squad.

Another of Frank's big decisions was to make Cristian Romero captain. That, too, is shaping into an excellent judgment call.

Romero has grown into his leadership roles, initially as a vice-captain for two years under Postecoglou and for the last month as captain.

He is a quiet presence around the club. Described, not as a chest-beater but gentle family man, who carries himself respectfully with the aura you might expect from a world and South American champion with Argentina. He is a very different presence when off the pitch.

His on-field discipline has improved. There were 24 yellow cards and three reds during his first two seasons in Spurs colours. And he was sent off on Tottenham's last Champions League outing.

That was a shuddering wipe-out tackle on Theo Hernandez, a classic from the reckless Romero back catalogue on a night of simmering frustration against AC Milan in March 2023.

But almost two years have passed since his last dismissal, and he spoke on the eve of the Villarreal game about his bad reputation lingering despite his vastly improved disciplinary record.

'They throw the book at me,' smiled the Argentine. 'They taught me to defend like this as a kid and I have it inside me, that love of playing this sport. When I step on the pitch, I don't have friends. I don't have anything. It's just defending my shirt and my badge. It's in my blood. I've got this far because of it so why would I change?'

Romero has embraced new responsibilities and extended his contract to 2029, ending for now at least a spiral of rumour and speculation that he would rather be playing his football elsewhere.

The 27-year-old centre-half cuts a contented figure. In the squad, he is closest to Uruguayan Rodrigo Bentancur and Pedro Porro, another Spanish speaker. And Kevin Danso, who has inherited Son's role as the popular dressing room butterfly who can flit from one group to another and bring them all together.

Romero's mood, though, is notable because in the past via grumblings in the Argentine media or veiled posts on social media, he has often seemed unimpressed by life at Tottenham, whether it is the medical department failing to get him fit quickly enough or the club's refusal to grant him a private plane on his return from international duty.

He is not someone who will say the right things because he is expected to, so his decision to sign a new deal and his positive public messages provide Spurs fans with genuine hope that things have changed and that the future will be more successful under Frank and a new boardroom regime.

'Everything I said is because I want there to be a structure of a club that can be at the top level, part of the big clubs,' said Romero yesterday. 'That's why I was sometimes so angry before, but today I see a very, very organised club with a clear idea and a coach who is organising things and everyone is seeing that in a short space of time we are with him and that's it.

'Absolutely everyone inside is looking in the same direction and that is the important thing. We hope to continue like this.'

Romero's form has been exceptional both as the rock at heart of a strong back four and as a threat from set-pieces.

Others to improve under Frank have been Pape Matar Sarr and Djed Spence, both little more than fringe players in previous seasons.

Sarr started only 22 Premier League games last season but brings to the team everything a head coach would desire as a selfless runner off the ball, forward to stretch opponents and back to win tackles.

He can adjust to do what he does in various tactical shapes in the midfield area Frank flexes depending on whether he wants to reinforce defensively or inject more creativity to help the attacking unit score goals.

Sarr does not have the poise and flair of others, but the new Spurs boss values his contributions and with no others in the squad with similar qualities it will be intriguing to see if he seeks to protect him going into this congested fixture period unleashed by the Champions League.

Frank's judgment through his first 96 days has been impressive but it is about to become trickier.

Villarreal boss Marcelino insists Thomas Partey is in the right frame of mind to play against Tottenham before a court date hours later to answer charges of rape.

Partey, who left Arsenal on a free transfer in the summer, is expected at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday morning.

The 32-year-old Ghana international is on trial accused of five counts of rape against two women and one of sexual assault against a third woman.

First, though, he is in the Villarreal squad to face Spurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday, the opening night of this season's Champions League.

'I'm totally convinced that he is mentally prepared, technically prepared, to play the game,' said Marcelino. 'For sure he will be ready. We are really happy that Thomas is with us for his football capacity and ability and his presence as a human.

'He is a great player with lots of experience. He has played in some top sides. We know he has a great ability and great level.'

Marcelino would not confirm whether Partey would start because he was not in the habit of revealing his team selection so far in advance.

'They find out when they arrive in the dressing room what the team is,' he said at a press conference in Tottenham on the eve of the game, but he confirmed Partey had travelled from Spain with the squad.

'We're interpreting stuff about and talking about a player that could be totally innocent,' added Marcelino. 'We are playing a game of football where the important thing is football. This is where football was invented, after all. We're talking more about Thomas than the game.'

Tottenham winger Manor Solomon, who will spend this season on loan at Villarreal, is also part of the squad.

So is Juan Foyth, a 27-year-old Argentina defender, who spent four years at Spurs before from 2017, and former Arsenal winger Nicolas Pepe.

Tottenham could end up facing a player that they have had on their books for over two years as Thomas Frank's side return to Champions League action for the first time since 2023.

Spurs gained entry to this year's competition after ending their trophy drought in some style at the end of the last campaign.

Under former manager Ange Postecoglou, the north London side beat Premier League rivals Manchester United in the final of the Europa League - booking their spot at Europe's top table this term despite a woeful domestic finish.

But Spurs fans will be looking forward to testing their side against Europe's best after a promising start to the season on home soil.

Despite a maiden defeat to Bournemouth ahead of the international break, Tottenham have scored an impressive eight goals since the start of the season, and netted an impressive scalp in the form of a 2-0 win against Manchester City.

However, as the players begin their European journey against Villarreal on Tuesday evening, they could do so against a familiar face.

Spurs loanee Manor Solomon has been named in the LaLiga side's List A squad for the league phase of the competition, after joining the club on loan for the season.

Unlike the Premier League, loanee players are able to face off with their parent club in Europe.

Although Solomon is yet to make an appearance for his new club under manager Marcelino, but will be keen for minutes after opting to spend a second consecutive season on loan.

Israeli star initially moved to the Premier from Shakhtar Donetsk in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, booking a loan move to Fulham.

The 26-year-old then transferred permanently to Spurs in 2023, but sat out the entirety of the 2023-24 season after suffering a right knee meniscus injury.

Solomon spent the last campaign helping Leeds achieve promotion back to the Premier League on loan.

Daily Mail Sport reported on Sunday that a planned move closer to home was initially mooted.

Solomon's failed move to Crystal Palace was one of the casualties of Marc Guehi remaining at Selhurst Park instead of transferring to Liverpool on deadline day.

The two clubs had even prepared a deal sheet rubber-stamping Solomon's move, before it was eventually called off - opening the door for Villarreal.

In June, Spurs came under fire for blocking some accounts responding to images reposted by the club of Soloman's wedding.

The player has been vocal in his support of his homeland - where the wedding took place - amid ongoing conflict in the region and Israel's continued bombardment of Gaza.

Tottenham apologised for the 'error of judgement' which saw some accounts manually blocked.

Tottenham boss Thomas Frank is set to be greeted by thousands of empty seats on his Champions League debut.

Frank will lead Spurs back into Europe's most prestigious competition after two years away but the opening fixture of the campaign, at home against Villarreal has not grabbed the public imagination.

A crowd of around 54,000 is anticipated although tickets remained on sale at the time of writing.

This low uptake for the game at the Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium with its capacity of more than 62,000 has been blamed on a combination of tickets prices ranging from £27 to £96 and the limited appeal of the opposition and is expected to be a feature of the league phase of the Champions League in N17.

After Villarreal on Tuesday night, Spurs will also play host to Slavia Prague, Borussia Dortmund and Copenhagen.

They will be expected to qualify for the knockout rounds but it is underwhelming in commercial terms with no blue-chip home fixture against one of Europe's glamour clubs.

It will not deter Frank, who will be managing in the Champions League for the first time.

'Fantastic, so special,' said the Spurs boss. 'It's a European night and our fans will be on it. I'm really looking forward to the first two minutes, and then Champions League anthem and then I will focus on the game. Business as usual.'

Spurs head into the campaign with renewed optimism off the pitch after the seismic change of Daniel Levy's departure earlier this month.

Levy's near-25-year reign ended just as Frank began to put his stamp on the squad, with new chairman Peter Charrington and the Lewis family promising a more visible, hands-on approach and new chief executive Vinai Venkatesham becoming the club's public face.

On the field, there have been encouraging signs. Frank's team bounced back from a first defeat of the season against Bournemouth by sweeping aside West Ham 3-0 at the London Stadium on Saturday to register their third win in four games under the Dane.