Dominic Solanke speaks after Tottenham’s vital three points against Borussia Dortmund in Champions League clash.
Dominic Solanke expressed his delight at scoring his first Champions League goal and making his first start since last season’s finale as Tottenham secured a crucial victory over Borussia Dortmund.
The striker’s goal, which Thomas Frank described as having “triple contact to get it over the line,” proved decisive as Spurs claimed three vital points in their European campaign. Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Solanke revealed his relief at seeing the ball cross the line despite the scrappy nature of the finish. He said (h/t football.london):
“I would have preferred it to be a bit cleaner but a goal’s a goal. And I got to enjoy watching it go in in slow motion so it was nice in the end. I’m so happy to be back out here, it’s my first start since the last game of last season so to be back out here and get the win meant the world.”
Solanke’s return from his lengthy ankle injury layoff came at a crucial time for Tottenham, with Richarlison out for seven weeks and Mohammed Kudus not expected back until after the March international break. The striker played 70 minutes despite lacking match fitness, demonstrating his commitment to helping Frank’s struggling side.
His first start since last season’s finale highlighted the severity of his injury problems. The fact that he managed to play significant minutes and contribute with a goal suggests his rehabilitation has progressed well, providing Frank with a genuine attacking option during the congested fixture schedule.
Solanke described scoring his first Champions League goal as a dream come true, acknowledging the prestige of Europe’s elite club competition. He said:
“The Champions League is the competition that everyone wants to play in, it’s the biggest club competition in the world. To get my first goal in it is something that you dream about.”
The striker’s words reflect the significance of the moment for a player who has worked his way through various clubs to reach this level. After spells at Chelsea, Vitesse, Liverpool, and Bournemouth before joining Tottenham, scoring in the Champions League represents a career milestone that validates his journey.
For Solanke, the goal against Dortmund also provided vindication after his lengthy injury absence threatened to derail his first season at Tottenham. Getting back on the pitch and immediately contributing with a goal will boost his confidence as he looks to establish himself as Frank’s first-choice striker.
Hopes for turning point
When asked whether the victory could represent a turning point for Tottenham’s troubled season, Solanke expressed cautious optimism based on the club’s recent European pedigree. Solanke stated:
“I hope so. We’ve done quite well in the Champions League and if you look back to last season and how well we did in the Europa League, it definitely gave the team confidence.”
Solanke’s reference to last season’s Europa League triumph, when Brennan Johnson scored the winning goal against Manchester United in the final, highlights Tottenham’s contrasting fortunes between domestic and European competitions. While Spurs sit 14th in the Premier League with just 27 points, they remain competitive in the Champions League.
Whether victory over Dortmund can translate into improved Premier League form remains to be seen. Frank faces Burnley next weekend in a match that could define his future at the club, with pressure mounting after a run of poor results that has left Spurs just seven points above the relegation zone.
