Champions League; Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 Ajax: 5 talking points and tactical analysis

#1 Well poised for the second leg

Both sides have a lot to fight for in the second leg

Ajax could have been out of sight after a yet another fabulous showing by this young side. Neres hit the post in the second half and could have sealed the tie but Spurs will consider themselves fortunate and will have to improve dramatically if they want to book their tickets to Madrid. They had their best opportunities from dead ball situations and will need to create more from open play in the away leg.

The Dutch team demonstrated two different dimensions to their game. If in the first half, they played slick, incisive and stylish football then in the second half, they proved their mettle by defending deep and displaying grit and determination against a Spurs side desperately in search for an equalizer. At their home, you would fancy Ajax who have the momentum and just suffered one loss in the entire tournament.

But with a returning Son, Spurs are still firmly in the contest and a repeat of their performance against Manchester City will be needed. Both teams were never expected to make it this far in the competition and an exciting game awaits us next Wednesday at the Johann Cruyff Arena as both the sides will fight tooth and nail to create history.