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Tottenham are through to the last 16, but does it have to be this hard? | Barney Ronay

Champions League win in Marseille raises questions about Spurs’ style – but there is a chance to build somethingNever really in doubt was it? Except, of course, for all those moments in the opening 45 minutes when it looked wholly and entirely in doubt, as Tottenham produced a mind‑numbingly cautious first half in Marseille but still had enough drive to secure what felt by the end like a pointlessly painful victory.Three points put them top of Group D, in the hat for whatever might happen in that strange, distant place known as the second half of the season. And whatever the manner of victory, this is a significant moment. Continue reading...

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Raymond Goethals: Marseille's messiah who toppled mighty Milan | Paul Doyle

The man who guided Marseille to Champions League glory is seldom remembered outside France and Belgium but his tactical wizardry and brushes with crime render him a fascinating figureThe first final after the rebranding of Europe’s premiere club competition as the Champions League took place 27 years ago this Tuesday. It was a stinker. Marseille, who beat Milan 1-0 in Munich, had contested an even grimmer final two years previously, losing the European Cup on penalties to Red Star Belgrade. Two lustreless showpieces are part of the reason why Marseille’s then manager, Raymond Goethals, is seldom recalled as a great outside France and his native Belgium despite an extraordinary career spanning nearly four decades. Related: Daniele Massaro: ‘The Marseille defeat...

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