Tottenham Hotspur have edged into the quarter-finals of the Europa League, despite a 4-1 defeat against Inter Milan at the San Siro.

Emmanuel Adebayor's strike in extra time was enough to give Spurs an away-goals victory with the scores tied at 4-4 on aggregate.

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The hosts reduced the 3-0 first-leg deficit in the 18th minute when Antonio Cassano headed in Rodrigo Palacio's cross at the back post.

Inter scored again seven minutes after half time as Palacio calmly slotted past Brad Friedel following Cassano's threaded pass.

The Italians levelled the aggregate scoreline in fortunate circumstances with 15 minutes left to play as William Gallas sliced the ball into his own net from Cassano's free kick.

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Spurs had two great chances at the start of extra time, but Gallas missed his header from close range after Jan Vertonghen's effort was kept out by Samir Handanovic.

However, the visitors scored a crucial away goal in the 95th minute when Emmanuel Adebayor prodded in the rebound following Handanovic's save from Moussa Dembele.

Inter levelled the aggregate score with 10 minutes left to play through Ricky Alvarez's header, but they were unable to grab the goal that would have seen them through to the quarter-finals.