Spurs complete English sweep
Friday, December 15, 2006
Article summary
Tottenham Hotspur FC won last night to complete a perfect autumn for English clubs in Europe as all seven sides advanced as winners of their groups.
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Tottenham success
That trio were only following the lead of England's four UEFA Champions League contenders who also all qualified for the last 16 as group winners. Tottenham, UEFA Cup champions in 1972 and 1984, had special reason to celebrate. Their 3-1 success against the Romanian league leaders saw them join RCD Espanyol as the only sides to come through the group stage with a 100 per cent record since it was introduced in 2004/05.
'Momentum'
"They were already qualified for the next round, so were we, and to motivate yourself to do a 100 per cent job is not always easy," Tottenham manager Martin Jol said. "But if you play at Spurs, if you know our history and our crowd - they turned up in their thousands again - and if you are not motivated to go out and play you are not a professional. It wasn't just about winning the game and winning the group, it's about momentum as well. We want to win games."
Spanish success
English clubs are not the only British teams heading to today's draws in Nyon with a smile on their faces. Rangers topped their UEFA Cup section while Celtic FC are through to the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League for the first time. Spanish sides too have enjoyed successful group stage campaigns. Their three UEFA Champions League entrants all qualified and in the UEFA Cup, CA Osasuna, RC Celta de Vigo, holders Sevilla FC and Espanyol also advanced.