Tottenham Hotspur strolled to a first win in the Europa League group-stage after they thrashed Greek side Asteras Tripolis 5-1, thanks to a hattrick from striker Harry Kane.
Kane ended the game in goal when keeper Hugo Lloris was sent off, and conceded from the first shot he faced. Midfielder Erik Lamela struck twice, the first being a stunning strike that bought White Hart Lane to its feet.
The 28 million pounds Argentine wrapped his left foot around the back of his right leg to score brilliantly from 20 yards in the 29th minute, The BBC reported.
It was a breathtaking night of football and a boost for Tottenham's fans, who have seen their team produce some mixed Premier League performances this season.
Tottenham had been held to a stalemate in Europe at Partizan Belgrade in their opening game, before Turkish team Besiktas snatched a point with Demba Ba's late penalty. Those results meant anything other than a win in their first match against the Greek qualifiers would have been a severe blow to Tottenham's hopes of qualifying for the knock-out stages.
But initially a victory seemed far from guaranteed against an Asteras side that was lively and always willing to attack. The Greeks had gone into the contest top of Group C and with a strong defensive record, having only conceded one goal in their first two group games.
However, Tottenham made light work of forcing a breakthrough scoring twice within the opening half hour. Kane had already come close with one long-range effort when he rifled an inch-perfect shot past keeper Tomas Kosicky and into the bottom corner from 25 yards.
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Then came a moment of sublime skill as Lamela scored his outrageous 'rabona-style' strike from the edge of the box. Latching onto a loose ball on the edge of the area, the attacking midfielder produced the most extravagant of finishes to flick the ball into the corner of the net with Kosicky wrong-footed.
The two-goal cushion knocked some of the spirit out of Asteras and Tottenham began to boss proceedings, Andros Townsend twice going close with trademark long-range efforts. Asteras started the second period well but just when it seemed they might get back into the contest, Lamela struck again.
Lamela, who before kickoff had only scored once for Tottenham in last year's Europa League against Moldovan side FC Sheriff, pounced with a volley, though Kosicky should have done better. Kane completed his first ever hat-trick by heading in 10 minutes from the end.
The only goal the Greeks could manage was after Tottenham goalkeeper Lloris was sent off as Jeronimo Barrales put the ball in the net just a minute before full-time, the report added.
