Tottenham vs Dortmund result: Son Heung-min and Jan Vertonghen shine in thumping Champions League win

Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Borussia Dortmund: Mauricio Pochettino’s side effectively did to Dortmund what clubs like Juventus have done to them in the Champions League, and so maturely picked them off

Tottenham Hotspur are so close to the next round and, maybe, the next level. Mauricio Pochettino’s side effectively did to Borussia Dortmund what clubs like Juventus have done to them in the Champions League, and so maturely picked them off for a fine 3-0 win.

It only added to this perception that the manager’s big tactical decision paid off, and proved one of the decisive factors in a match that involved so many decisive players from both sides out injured. Jan Vertonghen was surprisingly placed at wing-back and, after an initial struggle, pretty much won the game – and then the tie – with an assist and then the second goal.

The identity of who he crossed for with the first goal was pointed, though, because it showed that not all of the decisive players were out. Son Heung-min has actually gone beyond decisive, to the verges of world-class. He set Spurs on their way, lifting them to a higher level, by lifting himself for that tidiest of volleys. Fernando Llorente then finished the game, and all but finished the job, with a fine header.

It was just such a polished team display in general, as they showed an accumulated maturity beyond Dortmund. Whether that is enough to now beat the best sides remains to be seen, but this performance should mean we see it played out this season, such was the extent of Spurs’ lead. It would be remarkable if this tie was turned over, such was the gulf.

Spurs just so damningly reminded Dortmund of their youth, and injuries. The German side just didn’t look like Bundesliga leaders, but did look like a side missing some of their best players.

Their most promising players, meanwhile, didn’t really ignite.

It had been a stand-offish game, occasionally lifted by the forwards willing to take a stride forward, and that was usually the livewire Sancho. Some of his runs were, quite simply, what you watch football for. One moment that saw him turn Davinson Sanchez one way then the other was particularly wondrous.

His runs aren’t necessarily how you win football, though, because they were still just lacking that end product. That is natural for a player of that age, and particularly in a Dortmund team missing its players that most provide end product: Paco Alcacer and Marco Reus.

Jan Vertonghen set up Spurs' first and scored their second (AP)

Christian Pulisic did occasionally look dangerous, but he was still mostly functional straight lines to Sancho’s unpredictable squiggles. That was never truer than when he squandered a huge chance on 62 minutes, essentially by continuing to just run.

He was only in the team because of injuries, and his performance reflected what has been a somewhat underwhelming performance level of late. Sanchez had the measure of him, in a way he didn’t with Sancho. He will need a recharge for when he joins Chelsea.

This was also the difference. Dortmund just lacked the end product of someone like Son.

His ability to conjure something out of nothing is what is making him an increasingly revered player, and influential one.

Spurs hadn’t quite done nothing here but, other than one supreme Lucas Moura touch-and-volley, they had mostly been contained. It was time for the release, the trap having been set. They just had to get Son on the ball.

The latter was what Jan Vertonghen did superbly with that exquisite cross, but it still needed to be finished. Son did that exquisitely, combining elegance, accuracy and enough power. The delightful volley left Roman Burky with no chance, although the defence in front of him had given Son plenty of space.

Spurs were now fully in control, as was the vibrant Vertonghen as he launched himself at a Sergie Aurier cross for the second.

Dortmund were by now all over the place, and predictably succumbed to one of their main flaws: problems at set-pieces. There was Llorente to take advantage, and give his side what feels an insurmountable advantage for the second leg.