Europa League Round of 16
Lyon 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur (2-3 agg.)
Chelsea 1-1 Sparta Prague (2-1 agg.)
Kharkov 0-1 Newcastle (agg. 0-1)
Liverpool 3-1 Zenith (agg. 3-3* – away goal Zenith)
Spurs Reactions:
Mousa Dembele’s magnificent strike in the 90th minute clinched a 1-1 draw in Thursday night’s second leg at the Stade de Gerland and after winning the first leg 2-1 at the Lane, secured a 3-2 aggregate win.
AVB – Manager:
I think it’s fully deserved for what we did over the two legs,” said Andre. “The team did extremely well in the second half to come back into the game and overall, I think we deserved to go through.
“In the first half we didn’t play so well. We controlled possession a lot but we went a goal down, that was unlucky, but in the second half we upped the tempo, kept possession and were much more aggressive, more objective, got crosses in, shots in and created chances.
“In the end, we got the reward we deserved.”
There was praise for Mousa, who scored his second Spurs goal having opened his account on his debut against Norwich City back in September.
“It’s an important goal for him,” added Andre. “It’s something he recognises that he has to do more often and this time, he got his reward. It’s important for his self-confidence and it was a great goal to put us through.
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Chelsea Defender John Terry:
We were behind from the 16th minute until Eden Hazard‘s injury-time equaliser sent us through with the draw we needed having won in the Czech capital a week earlier, but Terry was disappointed with the team’s performance on the night.
‘I was disappointed with the way we started but delighted to go through,’ the captain said. ‘We left it as late as we could and sometimes that’s the best way but it wasn’t our best performance. We’re in the next round though and we’re happy with that.
‘Qualification was an absolute must. We’re disappointed to be out of the Champions League and watching it on Tuesday and Wednesday night was enough motivation for us to kick on in this one, we’re in it to win it and nothing changes from that. After that we’d have a chance with the Super Cup, so still some big competitions to play for.’
Liverpool Manager Rodgers told his post-match press conference: “We’re very proud of the club and the players tonight. Even though we lost the tie, tonight the football club and the players showed why they’re part of the world’s greatest football family here at Liverpool with the atmosphere and what the players put into the game.
“To have to come back from a three-goal deficit and put that effort, quality and character into the game was absolutely phenomenal – and I felt we should have had a penalty as well.
“I don’t think the players could have done anymore. The crowd could not have done anymore. It was a fantastic night, but unfortunately we probably lost the tie over there. “We wanted to win the game and make every effort to get through – and I don’t think the players could have done anymore.
“It was just unfortunate we haven’t gone through and we’ll probably look back on the game over there as one where we gave away poor goals which probably cost us, ultimately.”
