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Tottenham fell to their first away loss since July after a mistake by Ben Davies helped Royal Antwerp beat their Europa League opponents to lead Group J.
Davies, who made his 200th appearance for the Spurs, was easily dispossessed by Dieumerci Mbokani, whose pass allowed Lior Refaelov to pass Hugo Lloris.
Flat and uninspired, the Spurs struggled to create chances and José Mourinho made four changes early in the second half in an attempt to inject some urgency into the wing.
But it could have been worse for Tottenham, Mbokani somehow shot from three yards before Harry Kane was dispatched in an attempt to rescue the game.
Simen Juklerod also missed a good opportunity for the hosts after the Spurs failed to score for the first time since the first weekend of the season.
Mourinho’s men are three points behind Royal Antwerp in Group J after two games, tied on points with LASK, which beat Ludogorets 4-3.
Lackluster Spurs fail to impress
Having embarked on a 10-game unbeaten streak since losing at home to Everton on the first weekend of the season, this was as bad as the Spurs have in a long time.
Mourinho showed his displeasure by making a series of changes at halftime against a well-organized Royal Antwerp.
Dele Alli had his first start since Sept. 24, but has yet to finish a game this season after being suspended at halftime in two of the three games he has started.
There he at least created an opportunity for Carlos Vinicius before being replaced, former Manchester United defender Ritchie de Laet made a big challenge before the Spurs player could shoot.
Dutch winger Steven Bergwijn and Argentine midfielder Giovani lo Celso managed the attempts before the break, but both were comfortably handled by goalkeeper Jean Butez.
Kane replaced Bale, who also hasn’t completed 90 minutes since rejoining a loan from Real Madrid for one season.
The Wales striker is still trying to reach peak fitness after missing several games, but there was little creativity on the part of the four-time Champions League winner in Belgium.
Kane’s presentation failed to turn on his teammates, the Spurs failed to test the Royal Antwerp goalkeeper in the second half.
