North London takes centre stage in the Champions League tonight as Spurs and Arsenal face key European tests
Frank aims to save face
Tottenham Hotspur vs Borussia Dortmund, Tuesday 20th January – 20:00
Spurs host Borussia Dortmund at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tonight, returning to European action following their calamitous last-minute defeat to struggling West Ham.
Thomas Frank’s side has shown flashes of attacking potential this season, but has struggled to put together a strong run of form.
This will prove a pivotal game for Thomas Frank’s future, whose side have won one of their last eight.
Spurs have been booed off the pitch in each of their last three home games, with the mood turning toxic in North London.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank on Monday, January 19, 2026. Bradley Collyer/PA
Heading into tonight’s match, Tottenham sit 11th in the Champions League table, just one point clear of London rivals Chelsea.
This evening’s fixture offers Spurs the chance to reassert themselves on the continental stage in front of their home crowd and guarantee themselves a spot in the knockout stages of the competition.
Tonight will prove no easy task either, with Spurs missing Micky Van de Ven through suspension. The Dutch defender joins the long list of Tottenham absentees, including James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Andrew Matthews/PA
Dortmund arrive in London with Champions League pedigree, reaching the final at Wembley just two seasons ago.
The German side have also been strong domestically, sitting in second behind a dominant Bayern Munich side.
Spurs have won their last four against the Germans, however, and will hope that good omen can lead them to a desperately-needed victory.
Gunners away in Milan
Arsenal vs Inter Milan, Tuesday, 20th January 20:00hrs
Meanwhile, Arsenal travel to Italy to face Inter Milan at the San Siro in what could prove to be one of their toughest Champions League tests so far this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been perfect in Europe this season, winning six out of six and sitting pretty at the top of the Champions League table.
Inter, however, have proven a formidable force in Europe over recent years. The Serie A side have reached the final of the competition in two of the last three seasons, and boasts one of the most resilient defences in the competition.
Having rested Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard over the weekend at Nottingham Forest, Arteta will be able to rely on a fresh frontline to unlock Inter’s back line.
Arsenal celebrates a goal in the FA cup against Crystal Palace on Tuesday, December 23rd. Mike Egerton/PA.
Arsenal will undoubtedly show their full hand here, as this is their last true test in the league stage of the competition and comes with historical implications.
They will face off against bottom-of-the-table Kairat in the final matchday, rounding off their campaign back at home at the Emirates.
Two wins from their final two Champions League league-phase matches would see the Gunners make history, becoming the first team to complete a perfect record in the competition’s new format.
Both games begin at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, 20th January, 2026.
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HeadlineChampions League Preview: Spotlight on North London & Thomas Frank
Short HeadlineFrank's future hangs in balance ahead of crucial European tie
StandfirstTottenham face tough test against Borussia Dortmund, while Arsenal visit the San Siro in hopes of perfection.
North London takes centre stage in the Champions League tonight as Spurs and Arsenal face key European tests
Frank aims to save face
Tottenham Hotspur vs Borussia Dortmund, Tuesday 20th January – 20:00
Spurs host Borussia Dortmund at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium tonight, returning to European action following their calamitous last-minute defeat to struggling West Ham.
Thomas Frank’s side has shown flashes of attacking potential this season, but has struggled to put together a strong run of form.
This will prove a pivotal game for Thomas Frank’s future, whose side have won one of their last eight.
Spurs have been booed off the pitch in each of their last three home games, with the mood turning toxic in North London.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank on Monday, January 19, 2026. Bradley Collyer/PA
Heading into tonight’s match, Tottenham sit 11th in the Champions League table, just one point clear of London rivals Chelsea.
This evening’s fixture offers Spurs the chance to reassert themselves on the continental stage in front of their home crowd and guarantee themselves a spot in the knockout stages of the competition.
Tonight will prove no easy task either, with Spurs missing Micky Van de Ven through suspension. The Dutch defender joins the long list of Tottenham absentees, including James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Micky van de Ven on Saturday, January 10, 2026. Andrew Matthews/PA
Dortmund arrive in London with Champions League pedigree, reaching the final at Wembley just two seasons ago.
The German side have also been strong domestically, sitting in second behind a dominant Bayern Munich side.
Spurs have won their last four against the Germans, however, and will hope that good omen can lead them to a desperately-needed victory.
Gunners away in Milan
Arsenal vs Inter Milan, Tuesday, 20th January 20:00hrs
Meanwhile, Arsenal travel to Italy to face Inter Milan at the San Siro in what could prove to be one of their toughest Champions League tests so far this season.
Mikel Arteta’s side have been perfect in Europe this season, winning six out of six and sitting pretty at the top of the Champions League table.
Inter, however, have proven a formidable force in Europe over recent years. The Serie A side have reached the final of the competition in two of the last three seasons, and boasts one of the most resilient defences in the competition.
Having rested Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard over the weekend at Nottingham Forest, Arteta will be able to rely on a fresh frontline to unlock Inter’s back line.
Arsenal celebrates a goal in the FA cup against Crystal Palace on Tuesday, December 23rd. Mike Egerton/PA.
Arsenal will undoubtedly show their full hand here, as this is their last true test in the league stage of the competition and comes with historical implications.
They will face off against bottom-of-the-table Kairat in the final matchday, rounding off their campaign back at home at the Emirates.
Two wins from their final two Champions League league-phase matches would see the Gunners make history, becoming the first team to complete a perfect record in the competition’s new format.
Both games begin at 20:00 GMT on Tuesday, 20th January, 2026.
