Son’s emotional return sets scene for vital Spurs win in Champions League

Son Heung-min, as he has frequently done throughout his illustrious Tottenham Hotspur career, made his entrance with impeccable timing.

The stellar South Korean, who netted 173 times in 454 appearances for Spurs, returned to the club for the first time following his departure to Los Angeles FC during the summer.

It was appropriate that a significant European event marked the comeback of the figure who played an essential part in Spurs’ journey to the Champions League Final in 2019 and bid farewell as captain when they secured their first trophy in 17 years by defeating Manchester United in the Europa League Final last season.

A heartfelt Son addressed Spurs supporters ahead of kick-off, receiving an expected enthusiast reception, as he watched Thomas Frank’s side take a crucial stride forward with a solid Champions League victory against Slavia Prague.

It seemed as though Spurs were destined to shine with one of their contemporary legends present, who visited a mural created in his honor before kick-off after being unable to say farewell when he departed for the United States.

Son’s presence injected a positive vibe in a setting that has faced its share of negativity this season as Frank has struggled to gain Spurs fans’ trust to handle a more high-profile challenge than he faced at his previous club, Brentford.

It is undeniable that this has been a crucial week for Frank, whose brief stint at Spurs reached a low point following the recent home defeat to Fulham, when he openly criticized those who booed keeper Guglielmo Vicario after a mistake led to a goal, labeling them as «not true Tottenham fans.»

This is a high-risk, high-reward approach. Frank needed outcomes to substantiate such confrontational statements, and in the past three matches, Spurs have responded.

Spurs came back from behind on two occasions to secure a draw at Newcastle United, comfortably sailed past Frank’s former team Brentford, and then followed this up with a convincing 3-0 victory against Slavia Prague in this resurgence.

Prior to the win against Brentford, Spurs had participated in 16 home matches in 2025, winning just three and losing ten. This is the turning point Frank must navigate.

This performance was not flawless, with too many chances conceded to a mediocre Slavia side, yet Spurs remained consistently in charge and have now positioned themselves near the top eight spots in the Champions League standings that ensure automatic entry into the knockout stage.

Within the Champions League scope, it also served as a fitting reply to the 5-3 defeat away to reigning champions Paris St-Germain in their last match, where Spurs actually demonstrated solid play for an hour before being overwhelmed by sheer skill.

The heavy defeat was somewhat of an anomaly in this season, with Spurs achieving four clean sheets out of their six matches to date, conceding a total of seven goals.

If Frank is seeking signs of advancement, he will also notice them in the enhanced performances from Xavi Simons in his last two outings, contributing one goal and creating another against Brentford, then followed up with another impactful display against Slavia.

He was joined by Mohammed Kudus in presenting a real challenge – and even some rivalry between them when Spurs were awarded two penalties in the second half.

Before this, Spurs received substantial help with their initial goal after 26 minutes, as Slavia defender David Sima confidently directed a header into his own net after Cristian Romero flicked on Pedro Porro’s corner.

Spurs sealed their win with those two second-half penalties, with Simons eager to take the first before Kudus successfully converted, and then he had his own chance later when he was fouled by Igoh Ogbu.

Kudus had, at that point, been substituted for Mathys Tel. Captain Romero handed the ball to Simons, who completed the formalities.

Frank, as he was against Brentford, expressed delight with Simons, stating: «I believe he built on his strong performance on Saturday, delivering once again. Good link-up play, neat turns in the midfield, and has the pace to go past a defender.

«I appreciate his work rate, and there was an impressive recovery run in the 90th minute which is crucial for us.»

Kudus also received accolades as Frank continued: «Mo began the season well but then experienced a slump. Recently, in the last three or four weeks, he’s regained his energy, pace, and decisiveness in his plays. He’s syncing better with the team too – all of this is significant.»

Similar to the victory over Brentford, Frank will see this as a crucial advancement, not just in moving Spurs further along in the Champions League but also in enhancing his rapport with a fanbase he has yet to fully connect with.

Successes foster connections and sway skeptics – yet Frank will understand he needs more.

Son’s iconic smile seemed like it could only be removed surgically at the final whistle, and on this occasion, it was shared by Spurs supporters who have occasionally shown displeasure this season.

It was a perfectly orchestrated return for a Spurs icon.