Tottenham Hotspur collapsed in a 1-0 Europa League defeat at Royal Antwerp on Thursday, while Serie A leaders AC Milan claimed victory over Sparta Prague
Jose Mourinho’s Spurs failed to create a single scoring chance in a lifeless display, with Gareth Bale, who joined the club on loan from Real Madrid late in the season, for less than a hour before being replaced
The surprise victory takes Antwerp to the top of the Group J opening table after their first 2-1 victory at Ludogorets last week
The Belgian side play on the main stage of a European competition for the first time since losing in the UEFA Cup first round to Newcastle United in 1994
The hosts took the lead just before the half hour mark, with Dieumerci Mbokani stealing makeshift Spurs center-back Ben Davies before feeding Israeli striker Lior Refaelov to pierce a fierce shot into the corner
Antwerp missed a golden chance to double the lead in the 54th minute as Congolese striker Mbokani managed to shoot the ball over an open net just three meters from goal
Mourinho threw Harry Kane and Son Heung-min for Bale and Dele Alli in search of an equalizer, but again, it was their opponents who should have scored when Norwegian winger Simen Jukleroed snapped the drank and ignited wildly the bar
Spurs dominated possession but never seriously threatened, and Antwerp players were able to celebrate a famous triumph in an empty stadium
Milan took two out of two Group H wins with a 3-0 victory over Sparta, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic missed a penalty in the first half
Goals from Brahim Diaz, Rafael Leao and loaned Manchester United winger Diogo Dalot helped Milan extend their unbeaten streak to 24 appearances in all competitions
Stefano Pioli’s side are two points ahead of Lille at the top of the group, after the French side defended by two goals to win a 2-2 home draw with Celtic
Jamie Vardy scored a free kick as Leicester City claimed back-to-back Group G wins with a 2-1 win at AEK Athens, while Paco Alcacer scored a late brace as Villarreal beat Qarabag 3-1 in Group I
Tottenham Hotspur FC, UEFA Europa League, Royal Antwerp FC, Premier League, Belgian First Division A, Dieumerci Mbokani, Manchester United FC, Lior Refaelov
World news – USA – Spurs knocked out by Antwerp, Milan heading for victory
