Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas has heaped praise on Mousa Dembele following the Belgian's tie-winning exploits against Lyon on Thursday.
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Spurs looked set to be heading out of the Europa League until the cultured midfielder popped up in the 89th minute to level the score at 1-1, taking the final aggregate score to 3-2 in Tottenham's favour.
While Villas-Boas admitted that his side were slow in getting out of the blocks at the Stade de Gerland, the Portuguese was grateful that the former Fulham man rose to the occasion to ensure progression to the next round of Europe's second-tier competition.
"We didn't play well in the first half," the former-Chelsea boss admitted.
"In the second half we were the better team. We created some chances and we were rewarded with the second goal in the end.
"Individual players make a difference and Mousa certainly made the difference tonight."
The North London club now head into the last 16 due to meet Inter Milan, a rematch of the famous 2011 two-legged group stage tie in which Gareth Bale announced himself to the world.
Villas Boas will be hoping for similar exploits from his team and the red-hot Bale, who scored a hat-trick at the San Siro two years ago, and feels the victors of the tie will stand a good chance to win the tournament outright.
"We had two magnificent games against Inter and we just want to recreate special night that everyone remembers at the club," the Tottenham manager continued.
"Going through against Inter Milan and Lyon puts you in a good place to win the competition."
Lyon manager Remi Garde, meanwhile, was disappointed with his side's exit, but maintained there will still positives to take from the match.
"It's definitely something hard to swallow," Garde said.
"It was close. They are a top English team but I have seen some good things tonight.
"I felt we were very close but we had difficulty playing in their half. We didn't create too many chances."
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