TBR Football

The return of the Champions League for 2025/26 brings with it some old faces in the competition, as Tottenham and Villarreal are back in the top flight of European football.

While it was a dismal Premier League campaign, Tottenham won the Europa League, which earned them passage into this season’s Champions League.

It’s an opportunity that didn’t seem likely for most of the year, but it’s one they must now take with both hands under the guidance of Thomas Frank.

Their first test will be at home against La Liga outfit Villarreal, who earned the fifth Champions League spot in the division last season.

As both teams look to attack the league phase, hopeful of adding some early points to the board, it looks set to be an even contest.

So, with that said, here’s a look at everything you need to know ahead of Tottenham vs Villarreal.

Tottenham and Villarreal meet in gameweek one of the Champions League this season, with the match in north London set for Tuesday, September 16.

The clash is scheduled for an 8pm (BST) kick-off.

Live stream for Tottenham vs Villarreal

Tottenham’s clash with Villarreal won’t be available via traditional broadcast, as it will only be available through Amazon Prime Video.

A valid account and Prime subscription are required, along with a smart device such as a phone, computer or TV that can stream the match.

Who is the referee for Tottenham vs Villarreal

UEFA have confirmed that Rade Obrenovic will be the referee in charge of Tottenham vs Villarreal, joined by Jure Praprotnik and Grega Kordez as his assistants, as well as David Smajc as the fourth official.

VAR will be in operation, as Bastian Dankert is in charge, joined by Alen Borosak.

Tottenham have six main injury concerns to deal with before their opening Champions League match of the campaign.

James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Radu Dragusin all have long-term issues, which will keep them out for a little while longer.

Dominic Solanke and Yves Bissouma are potential doubts, having missed the past few matches, while it is uncertain when Kota Takai could be back in action.

Villarreal have several injury issues, as Gerard Moreno, Willy Kambwala, Pau Cabanes and Logan Costa have long-term concerns.

Former defender Juan Foyth could line up against Tottenham in another return to the club.

Tottenham vs Villarreal prediction

Tottenham and Villarreal look like two evenly matched teams on paper, in a clash that could set both of them up for a successful campaign.

Spurs may have the edge with that little bit of star power they have, with summer signing Xavi Simons looking to make an impact, along with Randal Kolo Muani.

Add to that the fact they are at home, and it all suggests a narrow win for the Lilywhites.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham Hotspur sent officials on a scouting mission to France to watch AS Monaco take on Auxerre in the Ligue 1.

Tottenham Hotspur have made an impressive start to the 2025/26 campaign under their new manager, Thomas Frank, with three wins from four.

Spurs produced an impressive 3-0 win over West Ham United over the weekend, with goals from Pape Matar Sarr, Micky van de Ven and Lucas Bergvall sealing a precious three points.

But the Lilywhites are already considering adding to the Dane’s squad and have gone to watch three players from AS Monaco.

Exclusive: Tottenham send scouts to watch Maghnes Akliouche, Vanderson and Lamine Camara

Tottenham sent scouts to watch Maghnes Akliouche, Vanderson and Lamine Camara over the weekend, sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent, Graeme Bailey.

Akliouche was a target for Tottenham over the summer, with the North London club having looked at signing another attacker after Xavi Simons’ arrival.

The North London club held internal talks about signing the winger during the summer window, but a move for him never materialised.

The 23-year-old attacker could now be back on their radar following their scouting trip to Auxerre.

Vanderson was also a target for Tottenham over the summer, as they considered adding a full-back to their squad.

The North London club have left themselves short in this area, with Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie and Djed Spence their current options.

Tottenham are considering signing a new right-back over a left-sided option, given the fact that Spence is now viewed as a left-back.

Camara is the third Monaco option being considered, with Pape Matar Sarr already well acquainted with him from the Senegalese national team.

Tottenham’s target Akliouche has ‘outrageous potential’, people in football have told David Ornstein.

The journalist confirmed that Spurs were looking at him in the summer, along with Savinho, who was also on Tottenham’s list of targets.

Ornstein told The Athletic FC podcast: “If they pursued a deal for somebody like him (Akliouche), I speak to a lot of people in football who think he’s going to be one of the best attacking midfielders around and has outrageous potential.”

The North London club could well return for another attacker in January, but that will depend on how Frank’s squad is looking heading into the second half of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur were so impressive against West Ham United, but Troy Deeney claims that one player led them to victory in East London.

Thomas Frank’s side recorded a third win of the season, thrashing the East London club 3-0 at the London Stadium.

Goals from Pape Matar Sarr, Micky van de Ven and Lucas Bergvall secured a precious three points for Tottenham Hotspur.

Troy Deeney was impressed so much by one player who didn’t get on the scoresheet, but still played a crucial role in the win.

Troy Deeney hails Cristian Romero’s display vs West Ham

Deeney has been full of praise for Cristian Romero’s performance against West Ham and named him in his Premier League Team of the Week.

Tottenham fans also hailed Romero’s display, as the defender played a key role at both ends of the pitch for the Lilywhites.

Speaking about the Argentine defender, Deeney told BBC Sport: “Another one that drives standards. He was a beast against West Ham and delivered a real leader’s performance.

“He helped everyone else be that little bit better and stronger. It is something you look out for from a fellow professional.”

Romero set up Bergvall’s goal against West Ham with a sensational pass from deep, which expertly picked out the young Swede, who nodded the ball home.

The defender should have had a goal of his own, however, Jarred Gillett controversially ruled out Romero’s header following an alleged foul on Kyle Walker-Peters.

The 27-year-old is quickly becoming such a vital player for the North London club ever since he took the armband over from Son Heung-min during the summer.

Troy Deeney says Pape Matar Sarr has improved so much under Thomas Frank

Another player who impressed Deeney was Sarr, who he believes is improving so much under Frank at Spurs.

The midfielder has started every game for Tottenham this season and is already one of the first names on the team sheet, which is quite different from last term.

“Under Thomas Frank, Sarr seems to have got a bit more freedom to go forward. He showed high energy and was bursting past people,” added Deeney.

“I know he is young and has more to do, but he seems transformed and is getting better and better.”

Luka Vuskovic faced the daunting task of making his Bundesliga debut away at the Allianz Arena against the German champions Bayern Munich.

Bayern Munich thrashed the newly promoted team 5-0 in what was a tough afternoon for Merlin Polzin’s team.

Hamburg are 19th after just three matches and will be hoping for a better run of results as the season goes on.

Vuskovic, who Tottenham rate highly, was handed his first appearance for the German side in pretty tricky circumstances, having to face Harry Kane and co.

Luka Vuskovic struggles on Hamburg debut vs Bayern Munich

The German media weren’t particularly impressed with Luka Vuskovic’s debut for Hamburg in their heavy defeat to Bayern.

The Tottenham Hotspur loanee had ‘communication issues’ with teammates, as he started in the middle of a back-five at the Allianz Arena.

Bild gave the youngster a 5/10 and wrote: “Was unlucky with Luis Diaz’s shot, which he deflected into his own net.

“He also had some communication issues with teammates. He won 63 percent of his duels, the best of all HSV players who started.”

But the teenager still managed some impressive moments, completing eight defensive actions, whilst also looking comfortable in possession.

It was quite an ask for Vuskovic, who impressed during Tottenham’s pre-season, to make his Bundesliga debut away at Bayern for a struggling HSV side.

The German side have taken just one point from their first three league matches, and this season will just be about staying in the division.

Hamburg manager on Luka Vuskovic’s Bundesliga debut

Hamburg manager, Polzin, has admitted that Vuskovic is lacking preparation with his teammates, but backs him to be a success at Hamburg.

Polzin told Hamburger Abendblatt: “He lacks preparation with us and coordination with his teammates. We’ll continue to work on that. Luka has the quality. We fully support him and believe he can really help us.”

Spurs will be delighted to see Vuskovic slotting straight into life in the Bundesliga and won’t be concerned by his first appearance in Hamburg colours.

It was another tough afternoon at Ibrox for Mikey Moore as Rangers were beaten 2-0 at home by Hearts in the Scottish Championship.

Russell Martin, who convinced Moore to join Rangers, is now under serious pressure at Rangers after his team failed to win for the fifth time this season.

The Scottish giants have already dropped out of the Champions League and into the Europa League, and now find themselves 10th in the Scottish Premiership.

Moore will be bitterly disappointed with his performance against Hearts, with his own supporters being quite critical of the youngster.

Rangers fans slam Mikey Moore’s display against Hearts

Rangers fans are far from impressed with Mikey Moore’s performance against Hearts, in a result which has seen them drop into 10th.

The 18-year-old was hauled off at half-time in Rangers’ shock 2-0 defeat at home to Hearts as the pressure continues to mount on Russell Martin.

The Tottenham Hotspur youngster started on the left wing, but he was quickly replaced at the break as Oliver Antman took his place.

In 45 minutes, Moore lost possession more than any other player on the pitch and failed to complete a single dribble or cross in what was an afternoon to forget.

But getting taken off at the interval won’t do his confidence any favours, and Spurs will surely be concerned with how he is getting on north of the border.

After the match, Rangers supporters took to X to share their concerns about the teenager and called for him to be dropped from the team.

One fan said: “One of the annoying things going under the radar is playing a Spurs kid ahead of our own youngsters. Mikey Moore is offering nothing. Needs sending back to Spurs and stick with Curtis.”

“Mikey Moore is an absolute enigma. Send him back to Spurs asap. Can’t hack Scottish football. Terrible,” claimed another.

There was further criticism for the Spurs academy graduate: “Mikey Moore is not Rangers quality. Tell me why he’s better than Curtis?”

Finally, another fan claimed: “We can’t be paying Mikey Moore that much, surely we can just put him into the B team until January when Spurs take him back.”

Mikey Moore must learn from Amad Diallo’s Rangers loan

Tottenham won’t be best pleased with Moore’s loan spell at Rangers, but they must take encouragement from Amad Diallo’s spell at Ibrox.

Diallo’s loan spell at Rangers was far from ideal, which left Manchester United quite concerned about the £40 million they paid to sign him from Atalanta.

After signing on loan in January, Diallo made just 13 appearances for Rangers in what proved to be a pretty disastrous loan spell.

Moore will now need to keep his head up and understand that he is playing in a team which is clearly going through a very tough spell at the moment.

Cristian Romero had an outstanding performance, and Tottenham Hotspur’s supporters are certain he proved a key point.

Thomas Frank’s team made it three wins from four in the Premier League this season with a 3-0 victory against West Ham United.

Goals from Pape Matar Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Micky van de Ven secured the three points for Spurs and moved them into second place.

But Romero is the player whom the supporters have been hailing after the London derby win, and are making an interesting point about him.

Tottenham fans claim Cristian Romero is the best ball-playing defender in the Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur fans believe that Cristian Romero is the best ball-playing defender in the Premier League following his assist for Bergvall’s goal.

The 27-year-old played an extraordinary ball to pick out Bergvall, whose looping header went over the head of Mads Hermansen for 2-0.

The defender who played the pass from almost the halfway line still left the Swede with a lot to do to turn the ball home, but he did it expertly to extend Spurs’ lead.

Romero, who just signed a new Tottenham contract, proved his importance at the London Stadium, helping Frank’s side to keep a clean sheet and claiming an assist.

TBR Football understands that Tottenham are now in talks with Van de Ven over a new contract, which could be huge news if they can secure the pair’s long-term futures.

Romero had a goal disallowed against West Ham after he was penalised for dragging Kyle Walker-Peters to the ground.

After the win over their London rivals, Spurs supporters took to X to share their admiration for the captain and his impressive passing ability.

One fan said: “Someone needs to make a compilation of Romero’s diagonals in behind Bodo/Glimt, Frankfurt, today and loads more. Slows it down, then picks an inch-perfect pass. Best ball-playing centre-back in the world.”

“Cristian Romero’s ball playing from CB is genuinely elite, so composed and incredible passing,” claimed another.

There was further praise for the Argentine’s passing: “Romero’s ball-playing ability makes him one of the best centre-backs in the league. Can’t think of many as good as him on the ball.”

Finally, even rival fans were praising him: “Romero’s passing is a joke; he’s actually Spurs’ best player in the build-up. How many times today did he take out West Ham’s whole midfield with a single pass? Crazy.”

Romero has an impressive pass accuracy of 89.58 per cent from 259 attempted passes this season, highlighting his importance to Spurs’ defence.

The World Cup winner has become crucial in helping Frank’s team to build from the back, and he proved that once against the Hammers at the London Stadium.

Lucas Bergvall hails Cristian Romero’s assist vs West Ham

Bergvall has also hailed Romero’s assist, which allowed him to score his first Premier League goal of his career.

Since Dele Alli, Bergvall is now the youngest Spurs player to score in the top flight, demonstrating the remarkable potential the 19-year-old possesses.

Speaking about the goal, Bergvall said: “Unbelievable, my first Premier League goal, I’m so proud. Great ball for Cuti (Romero) and a great finish as well.”

Bergvall featured in a slightly different role against the East London club, playing in a more advanced midfield role, but it seemed to work perfectly.

Tottenham heaped more misery on West Ham and their beleaguered manager Graham Potter with a dominant win at the London Stadium on Saturday, led by youngster Lucas Bergvall.

Tottenham had already taken the lead at West Ham through Pape Matar Sarr, before Tomas Soucek was sent off for a reckless sliding challenge. From the restart from that free kick, Bergvall stole in and looped a wonderful header over Mads Hermansen.

Bergvall then turned provider for Micky Van de Ven to add a third in a dominant display from Spurs as they moved second in the Premier League table, only behind leaders Arsenal on goal difference.

Spurs boss Thomas Frank called Bergvall ‘really impressive’, and fans were amazed to learn he achieved two impressive records for Tottenham with his goal and assist.

Lucas Bergvall is Tottenham’s youngest Premier League scorer since Dele Alli in 2015

Bergvall scored his first goal in the Premier League for Spurs since his move from Djurgarden in 2024, and followed it up with an assist shortly after.

At 19 years old and 220 days, the goal saw him become Spurs’ youngest scorer in the Premier League since Dele Alli in 2015, when he was 19 years old and 205 days.

He also became the second youngest player to score and assist a goal in the same game in the Premier League, with only Nick Barmby in 1992 achieving that feat at a younger age.

It’s clear Thomas Frank has a quality player on his hands, and fans will have noticed the similarities with his goal and the kind of runs Dele Alli used to make late into the box when he was at his prime.

Thomas Frank praises Lucas Bergvall after goal and assist for Tottenham vs West Ham

Heaping praise on Bergvall, Frank told Sky Sports after the game: “He was really impressive. I’m so happy for him. His work rate, his energy, his enthusiasm – and then he scored a fantastic goal.”

Bergvall himself praised the ball over the top from Cristian Romero, telling BBC Sport: “It was an unbelievable ball. I saw the goalkeeper coming out so I just tried to head it over him.

“It’s been really good [working with Thomas Frank]. We’re just trying to be better every day, training hard and [trying to] develop.”

Now he is off the mark in the Premier League, and with a young, exciting forward line around him, Spurs will hope that Bergvall can kick on and show more of his quality in front of goal.

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has exclusively told TBR Football why the Video Assistant Referee did not intervene after Tottenham’s Cristian Romero saw a goal disallowed against West Ham.

Spurs dominated their Premier League clash at West Ham, running out 3-0 winners after Tomas Soucek’s rash red card in the second half.

In a goalless first half, Spurs were on top but couldn’t find an opener. They thought they had scored when Cristian Romero powered home a header from a corner, but referee Jarred Gillett had spotted a foul on Kyle Walker-Peters.

Replays showed the contact from Micky Van de Ven was minimal, but the VAR backed up the referee and West Ham were awarded a free kick.

Exclusive: Mark Clattenburg feels disallowed Tottenham goal vs West Ham was ‘soft’

Speaking to TBR Football, former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg explained why the VAR officials did not advise Jarred Gillett to review his decision to rule out Cristian Romero’s goal.

Clattenburg said: “It’s a soft call but once the referee awards the foul, the VAR has enough evidence to support the on-field decision.”

Sky Sports commentary pointed to a directive given to VAR officials to only intervene if there is significant evidence that an error has been made, calling it the ‘referee’s call’.

Clattenburg’s analysis supports that idea, as he said there was enough evidence that Van de Ven made contact with Walker-Peters.

James Maddison fumes at VAR for ruling out Cristian Romero goal

Injured Tottenham forward James Maddison took to social media to criticise the officials for not allowing Cristian Romero’s goal to stand on Saturday.

Maddison, who will miss most of the season through injury, took to Twitter to post: “Honestly the referees & VAR have had an absolute shocker of a start to the season.

“If that goal is disallowed for a foul you will never ever see a corner be taken without referee blowing for something ever again.”

The game also saw Soucek sent off for a high challenge, although both Thomas Frank and Graham Potter agreed post-match that there was no malice in the sliding tackle.

Xavi Simons impressed on his debut for Tottenham in the 3-0 win over West Ham.

The Netherlands international was making his first appearance in the Premier League following a £51m move from RB Leipzig, and managed to provide an assist as Spurs strolled to a simple win.

However, Tottenham fans believe Thomas Frank made a mistake with Xavi Simons at the London Stadium.

Thomas Frank told he needs to use Xavi Simons centrally

The Dutchman spent his 71 minutes on the pitch against West Ham on the left flank, and despite playing well, Spurs fans believe he would be more impactful in a central attacking midfield role.

One Tottenham supporter kicked off the conversation by posting: “Xavi Simons is such a joy to watch, his touch, vision, and passing are all special. However, I believe he would thrive even more in a central role rather than being deployed out wide.”

Another added: “Once he gets in that CAM (centre attacking midfield) position it’s over.”

Simons has made 61 appearances on the left throughout his career – more than any other position – so you can see why Frank deployed his new signing there.

However – as you can see by the numbers in the table above – he is quite clearly more productive in the centre.

A third Spurs fan continued “play him in his natural position next time” as a fourth bluntly stated “not LW (left wing) Frank” – clearly, these Tottenham supporters are all in agreement.

Simons was told to do as he pleased in training at Hotspur Way, and certainly seemed to play with a lot of freedom in his first taste of a London derby.

How Xavi Simons fared on his Tottenham debut against West Ham statistically

If Frank does continue to use the 22-year-old on the left, the man from Amsterdam should still be able to deliver on the basis of his display in east London.

As you can see, it was a productive performance from Simons, who always looked to drive at West Ham and make something happen.

The new Tottenham No.7 also proved he can take a mean corner, whipping several devilish deliveries right on top of Mads Hermansen which caused chaos for the Hammers.

Tottenham sealed one deadline day signing when taking Randal Kolo Muani on loan from PSG.

It was a deal that ensured Thomas Frank can embark on the 2025/26 campaign with three strikers to call upon in Dominic Solanke, Richarlison and the France international.

However, Tottenham also made a bid for another forward in Ademola Lookman – who continues to be exiled by Ivan Juric after failing to leave Atalanta during the summer.

Ademola Lookman dropped by Ivan Juric amid “unpleasant” situation

The Nigeria international released a public statement in August confirming his desire to leave Bergamo, and has been on strike at Atalanta too.

Fabrizio Romano revealed Tottenham saw a loan bid for Lookman fail on deadline day – which included an option to buy – while Bayern Munich and Inter Milan failed with offers too as Atalanta held firm on a €50m (£43m) asking price.

The expectation was that the Atalanta No.11 would refocus on the Serie A side, but Juric has now suggested in a press conference that the 27-year-old remains unsettled by the summer saga.

Atalanta News quote the Croatian as saying: “He won’t be called up (to face Lecce on Sunday).

“It’s an unpleasant and difficult situation, a real drag. What I feel as a coach is that we need other things: spirit, humility, hard work, a sense of belonging. Our players need to be like that and do better, take responsibility. I want a different sense of belonging. The club will continue like this.”

Lookman was a key man for Atalanta before he started to burn his bridges, scoring 20 goals in 40 appearances last season, while also providing seven assists.

The versatile attacker – who can play centrally or out wide – is contracted to Atalanta until June 2027.

What Ademola Lookman thought of a move to Tottenham

TBR Football understand Lookman was open to joining Spurs if the north Londoners had been able to agree a deal with Atalanta.

The exiled attacker was actually born in Wandsworth, so a move to N17 would signal a return to London for the Charlton academy graduate.

If Juric continues to leave Lookman out, the situation will presumably be revisited in the winter transfer window, especially if Spurs are struggling to score goals by that stage of the season.