Audio By Carbonatix
Tottenham slipped to a first away defeat since July after a mistake by Ben Davies helped Royal Antwerp leapfrog their Europa League opponents to go top of Group J.
Davies, making his 200th Spurs appearance, was easily dispossessed by Dieumerci Mbokani, whose pass allowed Lior Refaelov to smash past Hugo Lloris.
Flat and uninspired, Spurs struggled to carve out chances and Jose Mourinho made four changes at the start of the second half in an attempt to inject some urgency into the side.
But it could have been worse for Tottenham, Mbokani somehow blazing over from three yards out before Harry Kane was sent on in an attempt to rescue the game.
Simen Juklerod also missed a fine chance for the hosts after being sent clean through as Spurs failed to score for the first time since the opening weekend of the season.
Mourinho's side are three points behind Royal Antwerp in Group J after two games, level on points with LASK, who beat Ludogorets 4-3.
Lacklustre Spurs fail to impress
Having embarked on a 10-match unbeaten run since losing at home to Everton on the opening weekend of the season, this was as bad as Spurs have performed in a long time.
Mourinho showed his displeasure by making a string of changes at the break against a well-organised Royal Antwerp side.
Dele Alli was handed his first start since 24 September but is still to finish a match this season after being hauled off at half-time in two of the three matches he has started.
Alli at least created a chance for Carlos Vinicius before he was replaced, former Manchester United full-back Ritchie de Laet producing a fine challenge before the Spurs player could shoot.
Netherlands winger Steven Bergwijn and Argentine midfielder Giovani lo Celso did manage attempts before the interval but both were comfortably dealt with by keeper Jean Butez
Kane replaced Bale, who has also yet to complete 90 minutes since re-joining on a season-long loan from Real Madrid.
The Wales forward is still trying to reach peak fitness after missing a number of games but there was little creativity from the four-time Champions League winner in Belgium.
Kane's introduction failed to ignite his team-mates, Spurs unable to test the Royal Antwerp keeper in the second half.
Latest Stories
-
Iran win four staff visa appeals but 11 banned
2 hours -
Norway braces for verdict in rape trial of crown princess’s son Høiby
2 hours -
Suspected armed robber dies from gunshot wound after snatching a taxi at La
3 hours -
Over 458,000 children miss school due to child labour in Ghana — CHRAJ
4 hours -
2026 World Cup: Vinicius Jr rescues draw as Brazil come from behind
4 hours -
BoG pulls the plug on unregulated crypto forex channels
4 hours -
Six arrested as security forces crack down on defiant China Mall project
5 hours -
Qatar stun Switzerland to snatch first-ever World Cup point
6 hours -
Kidnapped Nigerian retired general dies in captivity
6 hours -
Trump says US-Iran deal to be signed on Sunday as Tehran casts doubt on timing
7 hours -
2026 World Cup: Sports Ministry demands FIFA intervention over Partey’s visa denial
8 hours -
Three killed, three injured in Yikurigu crash involving Yutong VVIP bus and Toyota Sienna
8 hours -
Child labour surges in Ada East District – Social Welfare Director
9 hours -
Let Love Lead NGO mobilises 3,000 volunteers for Nima sanitation drive to prevent flooding
9 hours -
High Court quashes GTEC directive derecognising UNEM degrees
11 hours