AaB undone by Tottenham turnaround

Two half-time substitutions by Tottenham Hotspur FC manager Juande Ramos were the key as a 2-0 lead for Aalborg BK was turned into a home victory in the space of 21 minutes.

Comeback
Thomas Enevoldsen and Kasper Risgård had seemingly put the Danish visitors on course for victory. But on came Tom Huddlestone to immediately set up Dimitar Berbatov and after Steed Malbranque equalised, the other interval arrival, Darren Bent, put Tottenham ahead and on top of UEFA Cup Group G.

Dream start
AaB had made a dream start. Enevoldsen cut in from the left and his superb shot eluded the grip of Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson to the delight of the scorer's grandmother, who was celebrating her birthday by watching from the stands. Erik Hamrén's men were having the better of the play, though a Jermaine Jenas run took him past three AaB defenders before Michael Jakobsen's saving tackle. However, late in the first half Andreas Johansson moved forward and laid the ball off for Rade Prica, whose cross was perfectly placed for Risgård to strike at the second attempt.

Substitutions
Tottenham were looking at a second home defeat in the group to add to the reverse against Getafe CF that preceded Ramos replacing manager Martin Jol. But ex-Sevilla FC coach Ramos is a UEFA Cup specialist and he brought Huddlestone on at half-time for his first appearance under the Spaniard. The midfielder took 40 seconds to provide a fine pass for Berbatov to slip into the net.

Turnaround complete
Within five minutes Tottenham were level. Berbatov, Bent and Robbie Keane played the ball left for Malbranque to finish with panache. Risgård came close soon after, but the turnaround was complete when goalkeeper Karim Zaza could only parry Gareth Bale's free-kick and Aaron Lennon's cross-shot was cleverly flicked in by Bent.