Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Olympique Lyon: Bale’s genius gives Tottenham edge

Gareth Bale has again proved he is in the form of his life, hitting the brace to sink brave Lyon 2-1 in Europa league last-32 first leg.

Despite missing an open goal in the 37th minute of the game, it was Bale who scored the opener with an excellent long-range free-kick in added time at the end of the first half. Lyon leveled the game ten minutes into the second half with 19-year-old Samuel Umtiti hitting the screamer from just outside of the penalty area. Despite the Spurs being the better side, the score draw could have been the fair result for both teams. However as the match was drifting towards the final whistle it exploded in the dying seconds. It was magical Bale who scored yet another brilliant free-kick with virtually the last kick of the game to bring Tottenham crucial victory.

The game was marred with some wild scenes after the final whistle as Tottenham assistant manager Stefan Freund’s celebration of Bales’ goal in front of Lyon bench has led to ugly confrontation. Lyon boss Bruno Genesio has been apparently frustrated with Freund’s actions and started yelling at the German while his colleagues and former Lyon goalie Lloris tried to restrain him.

The win puts Tottenham in a driving seat ahead of the visit to France.