Tottenham Hotspur are leading Sheriff Tiraspol in their Europa League clash thanks to a goal from defender Jan Vertonghen.

The hosts began brightly, causing the Spurs defence problems with some dangerous crosses into the area.

However, it was the visitors who made the breakthrough with 12 minutes on the clock. A short corner was played to Christian Eriksen, who picked out Vertonghen in the area and the Belgian powered a header into the bottom corner of the net.

Sheriff almost equalised three minutes later after Henrique Luvannor rounded Hugo Lloris, but Vlad Chiriches cleared the midfielder's effort off the line.

Aaron Lennon came close to adding second for Spurs soon after, but his effort was blocked by goalkeeper Vjekoslav Tomic.

With 31 minutes gone, Cadu fired a powerful shot into the roof of the net after being found by Luvannor, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

The hosts grew stronger as the half progressed and came close to equalising with six minutes remaining, but Luvannor lofted a shot over the bar after finding space in the penalty area.