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As it happenedended

Apoel Nicosia vs Tottenham Hotspur, Champions League as it happened: Harry Kane hits sublime hat-trick

Relive Tottenham's important 3-0 win in Cyprus

Tuesday 26 September 2017 22:09 BST
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(Getty Images)

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Harry Kane delivered a Champions League masterclass by hitting a hat-trick and leading Tottenham to a 3-0 demolition of Apoel Nicosia.

There are few superlatives left to describe Kane's relentless goalscoring form but the striker broke new ground in Cyprus with his first treble in Europe's premier competition.

A cool first-half finish set Spurs on their way before two in five minutes after the interval rounded off another stellar night for Kane, who trundled off to a standing ovation with 15 minutes left.

His ninth club hat-trick also puts Tottenham in a commanding position to qualify from Group H after Borussia Dortmund's loss at home to Real Madrid leaves the German side six points adrift.

Follow live action below...

What time does the match kick-off?

The game kicks off at 7.45pm (BST) at the wonderfully named Pancyprian Gymnastic Association Stadium.

Where can I watch it?

The match will be screened live on BT Sport ESPN. But if you don’t have a BT Sport package, why not join us for live minute-by-minute coverage?

It’s a big game for…

Harry Winks. With Spurs suffering so many injuries in the centre of midfield, it’s looking likely that Pochettino will hand a rare start to the talented 21-year-old.

Harry Winks is likely to be given the nod in midfield
Harry Winks is likely to be given the nod in midfield (Getty)

The midfielder enjoyed something of a breakout season last campaign, only to suffer an ankle ligament injury during the club’s away match against Burnley in April. He’s still being eased back into the first-team after recovering from the injury this summer, and this match is a chance for him to stake his claim for a regular place in Pochettino’s line-up.

Player to watch…

Harry Kane. Who else? The Spurs striker has been in superb form and, with Dele Alli suspended, all eyes will be on Kane to see if he can break the deadlock and add to his European tally of 2 goals.

Kane was sensational against Dortmund
Kane was sensational against Dortmund (Getty)

APOEL are likely to sit deep and defend in numbers so Spurs will need Kane to do something special if they are going to get their noses in front.

Form…

APOEL: DLLWL
Tottenham: WWDWW

Odds…

APOEL to win: 8/1
Tottenham to win: 2/5
Draw: 7/2

Good evening and welcome to our live coverage of this evening's Champions League fixtures!

Vithushan Ehantharajah26 September 2017 18:58

Team News

We start with the news that Liverpool unleash Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino in the same team for the first time. Elsewhere Lloris Karius and Trent Alexander-Arnold return to the side having missed out in Saturday's win against Leicester.

Jack Watson26 September 2017 19:07

Team News 

Liverpool's opponents are not blessed with many household European names. Spartak Moscow's Fernando and Luiz Adriano each have a handful of caps for Brazil, but this is a team The Reds should overcome with ease.

Jack Watson26 September 2017 19:11

Team News

Manchester City vs Shakhtar Donetsk

Pep Guardiola is without left-back Benjamin Mendy who is seeing a knee specialist in Barcelona. In his absence, Fabian Delph starts in defence. Gabriel Jesus also return to the side as Raheem Sterling has to make do on the bench.

Jack Watson26 September 2017 19:16

Team News

Manchester City vs Shakhtar Donetsk

Here's how City's opponents line-up.

Jack Watson26 September 2017 19:18

Team News

Apoel vs Tottenham

Tottenham are still without Dele Alli who remains suspended following a red card in Europe last season. Spurs are also without Christian Eriksen who did not travel through illness. Heung-min Son and Harry Winks are their replacements.

Jack Watson26 September 2017 19:23

Team News

Apoel vs Tottenham 

Without those key players, can Tottenham's Greek opponents, Apoel, cause an unlikely upset. Here's the team that will try.

Jack Watson26 September 2017 19:25

"Positive difficult day"

Jurgen Klopp to BT Sport: "It's the most positive difficult day I've had so far with the line-up, no player gave me a reason not to play. That's a strong bench and it's what you need. We have to mix up the quality."

(On what he expects from Spartak Moscow) "A lively performance to be honest. They were the best side last year in the league and they deserve to be champions. It's about us to control their quality and bring through our quality. They are experienced and a good footballing side."

Jack Watson26 September 2017 19:33

This is your 10-minute kick off warning. We'll be providing live updates for Liverpool's clash against Spartak Moscow as Jurgen Klopp looks to add to his side's draw against Sevilla. Stick around for score updates from Tottenham's match against Apoel and Manchester City versus Shakhtar Donetsk, where we will certainly keep a close eye on Facundo Ferreyra.

Jack Watson26 September 2017 19:39

1 min: We're off! Liverpool kick things off with a 'Win or Die' flag hoisted high in the stand. No pressure lads.

Jack Watson26 September 2017 19:47

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