Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou gets another lifeline with Hoffenheim win as Europa League fate decided

But they headed into the match low in confidence following another disappointing Premier League defeat.

Pressure has been mounting on Postecoglou to turn things around at the north London club with Tottenham currently 15th in the table.

However, the Europa League has been an opportunity for Spurs to build up some confidence and a trip to Germany offered them a chance of sealing their Europa League fate.

A defeat to Hoffenheim would have made things difficult for Tottenham heading into the final game of the league phase.

But their big stars stepped up when it mattered for Tottenham with James Maddison and Son Heung-min getting on the scoresheet to give them a 2-0 advantage going into the break.

Tottenham's lack of confidence was evident in the second half though as they invited pressure onto the makeshift backline with Brendon Austin making his European debut in goal.

Momentum was building for the home side and it was only a matter of time until they halved the deficit through Anton Stach.

Son then bagged his second of the game to restore Tottenham's two-goal lead with 13 minutes remaining.

But there were still nerves on show in the latter stages with Hoffenheim scoring a second in the 88th minute.

Tottenham managed to hold on for a valuable win, moving them up to fourth in the table with just one game remaining.

Their tally of 14 points is also enough to ensure they make it through to the next round, although there's still some work to be done to finish inside the top eight.

Tottenham face a favourable fixture at home to IF Elfsborg next week where a win will make sure they finish inside the top eight.

Spurs are still seen as the favourites to go all the way and win the Europa League - ending their long wait for silverware.

And despite their woeful Premier League form, the cup competitions have offered Postecoglou a lifeline for his job.

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Thankfully for the Spurs boss, three of his next five fixtures are in cup competitions which could ultimately play a huge role in his future.

They hold a 1-0 advantage over Liverpool heading into the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg next month.

And Spurs face a tricky FA Cup fourth round tie away to Aston Villa just a few days after.

For now, attention will turn to this weekend's fixture against Leicester where Tottenham willl be desperate to pick up all three points.