Solanke hoping to forge more memorable moments in Frankfurt
Wed 28 January 2026, 10:00|
Tottenham Hotspur
Against a snowy Frankfurt backdrop, Dominic Solanke is hoping we can keep our cool tonight as we fight to secure a place in the last 16 of the Champions League.
Already assured of a place in the February's play-off round at a minimum, we can go one better tonight and take a place in the round of 16 as we head to Germany to take on Eintracht Frankfurt - and only victory can guarantee that.
To reach the last 16 of European football's elite club competition - something we have achieved in all bar one of our seven Champions League/European Cup campaigns to date - we know we will have to overcome Eintracht Frankfurt on their home turf.
It is a feat that only three English teams have managed in history, but notably, we are one of those teams thanks for Dom's ice-cold penalty back in April, which saw us to a 1-0 win at Deutsche Bank Park and into the semi-finals of our ultimately triumphant Europa League campaign.
And the memories of that unforgettable spot-kick here in Frankfurt just eight months ago came flooding back as Dom walked back through the doors of the Wald Stadion on Tuesday night as he completed his media duties ahead of matchday eight of the League Phase.
Beaming as he was asked about our last visit and of course the penalty, the forward said, “I only have good memories (of that night) to be honest. It was obviously a huge part in our journey to win the Europa. It was a huge night. We obviously won it by quite a tight margin but (I) still (have) great memories from that night.
"I kind of had to be (ice cold with the penalty). It was a hectic environment, a huge game in front of their fans as well which we're making it very loud and difficult but no I had to stay cool and I liked that pressure in that moment and I managed to put it away nicely.
Looking ahead to returning to Frankfurt and, not just the challenge that awaits us but the prize on offer if we manage to overcome the German side, Dom said, "We are all buzzing for the game. The Champions League is probably the biggest club competition in the world and to finish in the top 8 of that will be amazing for all of us.
"We know what's at stake so it’s another big game. We know it’s obviously going to be a tough game - there is no easy game in the Champions League - and we know what their crowd is like as well – it can be loud and hostile - so we'll be prepared for that, especially the boys that played here last year will know what we're going to go into but, like I mentioned, we're looking forward to it and hopefully we can get the job done."
