Harry Kane made Champions League history when he scored his ninth Champions League goal in as many games during Tottenham’s 2-2 draw at Juventus on Tuesday night.
Kane’s nine goals is one better than the previous record through nine games — shared by luminaries Ronaldinho, Simone Inzaghi, Didier Drogba and Diego Costa.
With his seventh Champions League goal of the season, Kane also matched Steven Gerrard for the most goals among Englishmen in a single campaign. The 24-year-old only trails Cristiano Ronaldo (nine goals) as the tournament’s top scorer.
Kane, who has 17 goals in his last 15 games in all competitions rounded Gianluigi Buffon to reduce Spurs’ deficit in the first half — and end the Juventus keeper’s run of 723 minutes without conceding for both club and country.
Christian Eriksen scored in the second half to complete the comeback, and Kane said he was happy with his teammates’ resiliency, though he rued a chance to add a late winner.
“We could have [capitulated], away from home in the Champions League. It showed character,” Kane said. “It was an excellent performance after that and we take two away goals to Wembley. Great result.
“I should have scored the header but you have to be ready for the next one and I finished it off.”
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino also said his side deserved a win after fighting back from two goals down after a disastrous start saw Gonzalo Higuain put Juventus 2-0 up inside nine minutes.
Spurs became the first team to overturn a two-goal deficit in an away knockout round match to earn at least a draw since Chelsea won 3-2 at Barcelona in the semifinals in 2012.
And Pochettino believed his side were worthy of leaving Turin with an even better result than the draw, telling BT Sport: “Fantastic game. We were sloppy and conceded two goals in nine minutes, but the character we showed was fantastic.
“I want to congratulate the players — 2-0 down in Turin to a team so difficult to break down. We deserved a victory more than a draw.
“We are more mature now. In the last few weeks, the team are growing and have stepped up. It’s a good example of the capacity we have.
“The team was amazing in how they reacted. You need some luck always in football. The tie is open, Juventus are a massive team. We have the hope we can win in Wembley.”
Eriksen, who scored from a free kick for the first time the last two seasons, liked Spurs’ chances in the second leg, adding: “We are sure we will have chances at Wembley. We go into that game full of confidence and we’re looking forward to it.”
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