Tottenham Hotspur closed in on a place in the group stage of the UEFA Europa League after coming from behind to win 2-1 away to AEL Limassol in Cyprus in their play-off first leg. The north London side are looking to reach the group stage for the fourth season running, and late goals by Roberto Soldado and Harry Kane have them in the driving seat ahead of next week's return at White Hart Lane. However, their fellow Premier League side Hull City have work to do after losing 1-0 away to Belgian Cup holders Lokeren.
Tottenham's quest did not get off to the best of starts at the Antonis Papadopoulos Stadium in Larnaca. Spanish striker Adrian Sardinero opened the scoring in the 14th minute for AEL, who finished second in the Cypriot top flight last season and parachuted into the Europa League after losing to Zenit St. Petersburg in the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round.
