Van de Ven Redeems Self with Dazzling Strike in Tottenham’s 4–0 Mauling of Copenhagen in Champions League

Tottenham Hotspur bounced back to winning ways in emphatic manner on Tuesday night as Dutch defender, Micky van de Ven delivered a breathtaking solo goal to cap a 4–0 victory over Copenhagen in their Champions League clash in north London.

Van de Ven, who faced criticism alongside Djed Spence for walking off without applauding fans after last weekend’s defeat to Chelsea, responded with brilliance on the pitch, restoring faith among supporters and manager Thomas Frank.

The centre-back embarked on a surging run from his own half before firing a precise low finish into the bottom corner, a moment of individual excellence that sealed Tottenham’s second win in six matches across all competitions.

By the time Van de Ven struck in the 64th minute, Spurs were already cruising, courtesy of first-half and early second-half goals from Brennan Johnson and Wilson Odobert. Joao Palhinha later added a fourth to complete the rout.

Johnson had opened the scoring in the 19th minute after capitalising on goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski’s blunder, slotting home from a tight angle following Xavi Simons’ incisive through ball.

Odobert then doubled the advantage shortly after half-time when another Kotarski error gifted Tottenham possession deep in Copenhagen’s half.

However, Johnson’s night ended early as he was sent off in the 55th minute after VAR upgraded his yellow card for a reckless challenge on Marcos Lopez to red. Despite being a man down, Tottenham maintained control and continued to dominate proceedings.

Van de Ven’s mesmerising solo effort, running past two defenders before finding the net, brought fans to their feet and symbolised his reconciliation with the Tottenham faithful, who cheered him warmly after the goal.

Palhinha soon added the fourth with a composed finish inside the box.

Richarlison missed the chance to make it five when his stoppage-time penalty struck the crossbar after Dane Scarlett was fouled by Viktor Claesson.

The result keeps Frank’s men unbeaten in this season’s Champions League, with two wins and two draws ahead of their next test against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain later in November.

After a string of lacklustre home performances, including the recent Chelsea defeat, the victory offered much-needed relief for Tottenham fans, and a reminder that their team still possesses the flair and determination the club’s motto, “To Dare is to Do,” represents.