Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has said that he is still confident that the club can qualify for the semifinals of the Europa league. Tottenham managed a disappointing 2-2 draw with Swiss club FC Basel first leg of the quarter-final match between the two clubs. As a result of the two away goals, the Swiss club are now the favourites to get into the last four draw. Tottenham came into the match with the words of their manager Villas-Boas echoing in their ears.
Villas-Boas said ahead of the match that Tottenham need to be wary of Basel because the Swiss club have much greater experience when it comes to European football. They took the lead through Valentin Stocker, while Fabian Frei’s goal gave them a 2-0 advantage in the match. It looked like Tottenham will certainly be knocked out of the competition. However, they managed to pull level through goals from striker Emmanuel Adebayor and midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson. As a result, they have given themselves a fighting chance going into the second leg encounter in a week’s time.
Villas-Boas said after the match that it was certainly not a bad result by any means, and he still retains the hope of reaching the semifinals.
“I think we limited the damage to give us the possibility of still getting through. Within all the negatives, there is the positive of still being in the tie and going away from home to try and get through. It wasn’t a bad result, everyone has great belief we can go through. This Basle team was probably the best team I have ever seen at White Hart Lane. All the recognition goes to a top opponent who we had to play here tonight,” said the former Chelsea manager, who also praised the opposition for their incredible game.