Spurs make flying Start to Champions League

They may have been waiting for more than 40 years, but Spurs have taken to this year's Champions League like seasoned veterans.

It could have all been so different after half an hour of their qualifier against Swiss side Young Boys Bern. They were 3-0 down in the opening exchanges but two away goals gave them hope for the home leg, which they comfortably won 4-0.

They were than given a tough looking group but the Champions League predictions suggest they have every chance of at least qualifying for the knock-out stages.

They swept into a two goal lead away at Werder Bremen and despite a second half comeback by the Bundesliga side, an away point in this competition is not to be sniffed at and the Champions League best odds suggested they would be able to build on that result.

White Hart Lane was buzzing for Spurs' debut in the Champions League proper against Dutch side FC Twente two weeks later and they weren't disappointed.

With holders Inter awaiting next up boss Harry Redknapp knew a win at home was vital to their qualification hopes. But even he couldn't have dreamt of a better home start.

New signing Rafeal Van Der Vaart was an inspiration, despite later turning to villain by being sent off, as the Londoners romped to a 4-1 win to sit joint top of the group.

The Premier League is a tough division and by finishing fourth last season Spurs showed they are a competent side and more than talented enough to handle themselves in Europe. Their opening two games in the Champions League suggest they will not be overawed by the occasion.

Talk of semi-finals and finals may be a bit over-the-top but given their performances so far, their Champions League adventure should still have some time to run yet.