Tottenham Hotspur rout FC Copenhagen 4-0 in Champions League statement win

Jaco Pieterse

Nov 5 2025

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When Tottenham Hotspur thrashed FC Copenhagen 4-0 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, it wasn’t just a win — it was a reckoning. After a limp 2-1 loss to Everton on the weekend that left fans questioning their resolve, the North London club responded with the most commanding performance of Thomas Frank’s tenure. The final scoreline masked how brutally dominant they were: 3.58 expected goals to 0.32, 14 shots to 12, 9 big chances created while Copenhagen mustered none. And for the first time in this Champions League campaign, they kept a clean sheet — a quiet triumph that spoke volumes.

A Perfect Response to a Despondent Weekend

The contrast couldn’t have been starker. Just days earlier, Tottenham looked disjointed, sluggish, and out of ideas. Fans were calling for changes. But on Tuesday, the energy was electric. Brennan Johnson opened the scoring in the 20th minute — his first ever Champions League goal — after a slick one-two with James Maddison. The goal wasn’t just a finish; it was a release. The stadium exhaled. The players stood taller.

"I want to go as far to say probably Benor’s best game for us in a long long time," said the Post-Match Analysis Podcast host, referring to Cristian Romero, whose physical presence and timing in midfield disrupted Copenhagen’s rhythm. Destiny Udogie and Rodrigo Bentancur worked tirelessly, while Maddison — sometimes called ‘Simmons’ on the broadcast — showed glimpses of the playmaker he can be when trusted.

The Goal of the Season? Van de Ven’s Masterclass

If Johnson’s goal was the spark, then Micky van de Ven’s second-half strike was the fireworks. The Dutch defender received the ball near his own penalty area, drove past two defenders with a sharp step-over, cut inside, and fired a low, curling shot past Kasper Schmeichel. It was the kind of goal that makes you pause mid-sip of coffee. TNT Sports called it "one of the goals of the season." The Post-Match Analysis Podcast labeled it "magnificent." And honestly? It might just be.

Van de Ven’s goal wasn’t just skill — it was audacity. A defender, not known for dribbling, took on the entire defense like a winger. It was the kind of moment that redefines a player’s legacy at a club. And for a team that’s struggled to find identity under Frank, it was a statement: this isn’t just about survival anymore.

Copenhagen’s Defensive Collapse

FC Copenhagen came into the match with a reputation for resilience. But from the 20th minute onward, they looked like a team playing in fog. Schmeichel, a veteran of 120+ international caps, was culpable for two of the goals — misjudging Johnson’s low cross and then being too slow to react to Van de Ven’s run. The backline, already under pressure, collapsed under Tottenham’s relentless movement.

"Defensive calamity," said one CBS Sports commentator. "They had zero structure. Zero urgency." The stats told the story: 23 touches in Tottenham’s box compared to 35 for the hosts. Zero big chances created. Six corners conceded. And worst of all — no shots on target after the 55th minute.

Richarlison, nicknamed ‘Makoko’ on the broadcast, was a nuisance all night. His press forced errors. He didn’t score, but his work ethic set the tone. When he "pinched it" off a Copenhagen player identified as ‘Dis,’ it wasn’t luck — it was anticipation.

Why This Win Matters More Than the Scoreline

Tottenham now have eight points from four matches — their best start to a Champions League campaign since 2019. They’ve won all three home games in Europe this season, continuing an unbeaten streak at their stadium since it opened in April 2019. But beyond the table, this was about momentum.

Frank’s men were criticized for lacking identity. Now, they’re playing with purpose. The midfield trio of Bentancur, Udogie, and Maddison finally clicked. The defense, led by Romero, looked organized. Even Son Heung-min — who missed two clear chances early — looked sharper than he has in months.

"It was a perfect response to such a despondent weekend performance," the podcast host said. And he’s right. In football, how you respond to failure says more than how you celebrate success. This was a response worthy of a top-four contender.

What’s Next?

Tottenham’s next challenge comes on Wednesday, November 27, 2024 — a crucial away fixture against one of the group’s other top teams. But for now, they can breathe. FC Copenhagen, meanwhile, face a long road back. They’ve now lost three of their four group games and sit at the bottom of the table. Their European campaign is all but over.

For Tottenham, this win isn’t just about points. It’s about belief. After months of uncertainty, they’ve found their rhythm — and it’s loud.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Brennan Johnson’s goal impact Tottenham’s confidence?

Johnson’s first Champions League goal came at a critical moment — after a poor weekend performance and early misses by Son Heung-min. It broke the ice, silenced critics, and gave the team emotional momentum. His goal was the first of four, and every subsequent strike felt like a release of pent-up frustration. It also marked a turning point in his season, showing he can deliver on the biggest stage.

Why was Micky van de Ven’s goal considered so special?

Van de Ven’s goal was a solo run from deep, cutting through three defenders before firing past Kasper Schmeichel. For a center-back to produce such a moment — especially in the Champions League — is rare. It combined technical skill, vision, and courage. Analysts compared it to legendary goals by defenders like Cafu and Roberto Carlos, calling it a potential contender for goal of the season across all European competitions.

What does this result mean for Thomas Frank’s future at Tottenham?

Frank’s job was under pressure after the Everton loss. This win, his biggest as manager, has bought him crucial breathing room. The team played with structure, intensity, and creativity — all traits he’s preached since arriving. If they replicate this level against stronger opponents, his methods may finally be seen as the long-term solution rather than a stopgap. Fans and board members are now watching closely for consistency, not just one-off results.

How did FC Copenhagen’s performance compare to their previous Champions League games?

Copenhagen had shown fight in their opening match, earning a draw against a strong opponent. But since then, they’ve looked flat — conceding six goals in two losses. Against Tottenham, they were outclassed in every phase: pressing, passing, and positioning. Their 0.32 xG was their lowest of the campaign, and they failed to register a single shot on target after the 60th minute. This wasn’t just a loss — it was a collapse.

Is this Tottenham’s best Champions League performance since 2019?

Statistically, yes. Their 3.58 xG is the highest they’ve recorded in a single Champions League match since their stadium opened. They also created more big chances than any other game in Frank’s tenure. While their 2019 run to the final featured more dramatic moments, this performance was more complete — controlling possession, limiting mistakes, and scoring with efficiency. It’s the most balanced display they’ve had in Europe in five years.

Who were the standout players besides Van de Ven and Johnson?

Cristian Romero was immense in midfield, breaking up play and initiating attacks. Destiny Udogie provided width and defensive solidity on the left, while Rodrigo Bentancur dictated tempo with crisp passing. James Maddison, though quiet early, delivered two key assists and looked more involved than he has since joining. Richarlison’s work rate was also vital — he didn’t score, but he created space and forced errors that led to goals.