Tottenham Hotspur have booked their place in the group stages of the Europa League with a convincing 3-0 victory over AEL Limassol, winning the tie 5-1 on aggregate.
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Spurs were handed the chance to take the lead when Kyle Naughton was brought down in the area by AEL keeper Karim Fegrouch and a penalty was awarded. The keeper was hurt in the incident and stretchered off after a lengthy delay.
Harry Kane took the spot kick for the home side but saw his powerful effort saved by substitute stopper Pulpo Romero.
Kane was denied again minutes later by the keeper as he drove right through the middle of the AEL defence, but saw his shot from the edge of the area beaten away by Romero.
Mauricio Pochettino's side were continuing to press in the final third as Mousa Dembele showed great control to trap a ball on the edge of the box, but his shot went just wide of the post.
Kane atoned for his earlier mistake from the spot in the 45th minute when he fired his side ahead as Spurs capitalised on a mistake, and the striker slotted the ball past Romero with ease when presented with the chance.
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In the second half, Tottenham doubled their lead through Paulinho as the midfielder took a neat touch past a defender before finding the bottom corner with a powerful strike through Romero.
Aaron Lennon nearly added a third for Tottenham but saw his effort cleared off the line he as attempted to lob Romero with a delicate chip after more good work from Paulinho.
Spurs did get on the scoresheet again as Edmar handled Naughton's attempted cross into the box. Andros Townsend took the spot kick and placed the ball into the bottom corner.
Kane, Townsend and Ben Davies all went close late on to adding a fourth goal but Romero stood firm to keep the scoreline respectable as Tottenham eased to victory.
Simon Sinclair
