Published: 15 February, 2013
by PAUL COWLING

Europa League Round of 32. First Leg

TOTTENHAM 2, LYON 1

THE Champions League anthem is supposed to stir a top player in the same way a medal round his neck does. It's a tune that Spurs fans would love to hear again next season especially as it will surely be the only way the club keep Gareth Bale from the clutches of a Real Madrid or a Barcelona.

Bale gave Spurs the edge in a closely fought game on Thursday night, with two wonderful free kicks at the death of both halves. That there was a third great goal in the game from Lyon, ensures the French side have the slight advantage when the second leg plays out at the Stade Gerland next Thursday.

Tottenham shaded a frenetic, exciting first half. They had few clear-cut chances, but they should have taken them.

On 26 minutes, Mousa Dembele fed Emmanuel Adebayor, but the gangly forward choked, skewering a weak shot the wrong side of the Lyon goal.

But, just to prove that even man for all seasons, Bale is fallible, the Welsh wonder missed an even easier chance when set up by Kyle Walker on 36.

But, with the game going into first half injury time, Dembele was brought down outside the penalty area. Up stepped Bale, who stabbed his toe at a ball that dipped to the left, and bounced once before whistling past keeper Remy Vercoutre. 1-0 Spurs.

A tense second half, saw Spurs lose their way in midfield, as Lyon, who included former Spur Steed Malbranque, came into the game more.

It was no surprise they equalised; it was just a surprise how good a goal it was. William Gallas's clearance fell straight to Samuel Umtiti who let rip with a half volley that took the net and breath away.

Then on 62 minutes Alexandre Lacazette ran past four defenders, before unleashing a fierce shot that was brilliantly saved by Brad Friedel – in for ex-Lyonnais Hugo Lloris.

Spurs ran into dead ends as they looked to retake the lead. Adebayor might as well have been at home watching the game on TV. He was awful.

But it was Bale who was the key. He let fly with two rasping shots that were fisted away by the impressive Vercoutre.

Then just as it looked as if the 1-1 draw was the best Spurs could hope for, they were awarded a free kick in injury time.

There was expectation in the home crowd, and then an almighty roar, as Vercoutre was beaten by another stunning Bale set-piece. Within seconds, the game was over. Bale 2 Lyon 1.

After the game, all the talk was about Bale, although Lyon coach – and former Arsenal defender – Remi Garde sounded mildly irritated at the player's constant mention.

"We are just at half time," snapped Garde. A terse reminder to Spurs and their fans.

Meanwhile, asked if he would swap Bale for Cristiano Ronaldo , it was a rueful smile but a categorical "no" from André Villas-Boas.

"Gareth has such an incredible all-round game and free kick technique, and he is enjoying his football."

AVB was mindful of the slender lead – and Lyon's away goal. "It will be difficult for us. So we will set up the same to try and score away from home."

A few free kicks outside the penalty area, and a certain Welshman standing over the ball, could be just what they're looking for.

Spurs: Friedel, Walker, Gallas, Vertonghen, Assou-Ekotto, Dembele, Parker, (Livermore 90), Lennon (Sigurdsson 79), Dempsey (Holtby 67), Bale, Adebayor. Subs not used: Lloris, Naughton, Dawson, Caulker.
Att: 31,762