Spurs suffer first-leg defeat

Robbie Keane gave Spurs the perfect start with an opening goal after less than 90 seconds, but UEFA Cup holders Sevilla hit back to gain the upper hand ahead of next week's second leg in London.

Former Spurs striker Frederic Kanoute slotted home a controversially-awarded penalty to level the scores up before Alexander Kerzhakov netted Sevilla's winner in the 36th minute of a first half.

Spurs were unable to capitalise on a perfect start after Keane put them ahead with the first chance of the match.

The Irishman latched onto a Dimitar Berbatov pass inside the Sevilla penalty area and slotted home at the second attempt after home goalkeeper Andres Palop had blocked his first effort.

Good work on the right by Aaron Lennon almost produced a second opening for Keane in the 12th minute, but the winger's pass was just too heavy for his team-mate and Palop was able to gather.

Sevilla were struggling to create much going forward in the early stages as Spurs' makeshift defence, which saw Pascal Chimbonda playing at centre-back, comfortably dealt with the home side.

However, the hosts were gifted a chance to get back in the game in the 18th minute when they were awarded a controversial penalty. Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson looked to have made a brilliant sprawling block to deny Adriano, but referee Alain Hamer deemed the challenge to be illegal and pointed to the spot.

The Spurs players protested against the decision and Robinson was shown a yellow card, but the penalty stood and their former striker Kanoute stepped up to level the scores.

Spurs' early dominance had now diminished and Robinson was called on to make a diving stop to keep the game at 1-1. But the England goalkeeper could do little to prevent Kerzhakov putting Sevilla in front in the 36th minute, the striker heading home Julien Escude's headed pass.