MATS HUMMELS delivered a stunning equalizer in injury time during his comeback to European competition since the Champions League final, saving Claudio Ranieri’s team from defeat.
The 35-year-old German made a sliding finish to convert a cross from former Manchester City player Angelino in the closing moments, penetrating Spurs’ defense.
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He had not participated in a European match since losing to Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League final at the end of the previous season.
Spurs were aiming for a crucial three points to bolster their chances of securing automatic qualification for the Europa League knockout stages.
Son Heung-min’s penalty, along with another from Brennan Johnson, sandwiching an Evan N’Dicka strike, seemed to set the stage for victory.
However, despite countless chances for both teams, Ranieri managed to clinch a vital point on his return to English football, thanks to Hummels.
The ex-Chelsea and Leicester City manager, aged 73, just returned to coach Roma – for the third time – earlier this month.
Fans were eager to see which version of Spurs would appear on the pitch after a season filled with ups and downs.
Would it be the team that routed Manchester City 4-0 last time out, or the one that allowed Ipswich to claim their first Premier League win of the season?
Regardless, Postecoglou’s Tottenham consistently delivers exhilarating matches, and this one proved to be no exception.
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Spurs had a great opportunity to start strong when Hummels committed a foul on the impressive Pape Matar Sarr in the box within the first three minutes.
Initially, referee Glenn Nyberg did not award a penalty, but VAR encouraged him to reconsider the situation at the pitchside monitor, leading him to alter his decision.
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Captain Son successfully converted from the penalty spot, outsmarting keeper Mile Svilar.
This was only Ranieri’s second match in command, following a narrow 1-0 defeat against Serie A leaders Napoli, managed by former Spurs boss Antonio Conte.
Paulo Dybala made an instant impression with a shot that Fraser Forster managed to save well, filling in due to Guglielmo Vicario’s ankle injury.
Shortly afterwards, however, Forster had no chance as Roma leveled, with N’Dicka heading Dybala’s free-kick off the crossbar and in.
Ranieri believed his team had taken the lead with a stunning volley from Stephan El Shaarawy, but it was deemed offside by a narrow margin.
Spurs responded with a shot from Johnson that Angelino cleared off the line.
Then, in the 34th minute, the hosts regained their advantage with a rapid counter-attack.
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Sarr played a perfectly weighted pass to Dejan Kulusevski, who dashed down the wing and crossed for Johnson to finish with accuracy.
Postecoglou showed his delight with a fist pump as the Welshman marked his ninth goal in 19 appearances for Spurs this season.
It could have been even better before the break, but Son shot over after the ball came to him post Kulusevski’s shot that hit the post.
Ranieri’s team found the net twice in the second half, but both were incorrectly ruled offside because of Artem Dovbyk’s positioning.
Pedro Porro redirected an Angelino volley onto the crossbar before striking the woodwork himself with a threatening free-kick.
Spurs hit the post for the third time when Dominic Solanke’s header crashed against it.
This was crucial, as Forster pulled off two stunning late saves, but Roma’s persistence paid off when Hummels equalized in the final moments.
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