Tottenham won 3-0 in the first round of the 2024-2025 Europa League (UEL) phase against KarabakhFK (Azerbaijan) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on the 27th (Korea time) despite the bad conditions of 10 people fighting due to Radu Dragucin's exit.
However, it was a tough day for both Karabakh and Tottenham. It was like that from the start. The game was postponed for 35 minutes. The sudden rain coincided with the closing time.
In addition, the Overground (National Railroad) connecting to the front of Tottenham Stadium was suspended due to an accident at a nearby station. Traffic became serious. Fans who couldn't get on the train were crowded with buses and cars. Thousands of fans moved on foot from the station two hours away.
The Karabakh bus was also stuck on the street due to heavy traffic. It was only 15 minutes before the start of the game that they arrived at the stadium. According to UEFA rules, all teams must arrive at least 75 minutes before the start of the game, and violations of such rules can result in penalties.
However, it was a force majeure. In the end, UEFA agreed to start the game 35 minutes late.
Karabakh coach Gulbanov vented his anger after the match. "This should not happen. Imagine being stuck in traffic for more than two and a half hours. There is no excuse for this, but it should not happen. There were no police escorting us," he complained.
Gulbanov also stressed again, "It had a big impact on our players. As soon as we arrived, they told us to start the game in 40 minutes, but we were not ready. This should not happen."
Karabakh, however, clearly had a chance. Tottenham center back Dragusin was sent off just seven minutes into the match. It was an 11-10 fight. Karabakh was responsible for failing to score even on opportunities such as missed penalties. 안전놀이터
Brennan Jones scored consecutive goals in the 12th minute of the first half, and Pape Sarr and Dominic Solanke scored in the 7th and 23rd minutes of the second half. Son Heung-min started without commas, but failed to play full-time in the 26th minute of the second half due to thigh pain.
"It wasn't a good start for us either. But the delay or whatever, it's no excuse. We also had Dragosin pay the price," said manager Enze Postecoglou.
Regarding Son Heung-min, he added, "I haven't talked yet. Son said he was a little tired, but I haven't talked to him and the medical staff yet." Son reassured himself at the mixed zone, saying, "I'm fine. I'm really fine."
