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The lackluster Tottenham fell in a Europa League defeat at Royal Antwerp, which saw José Mourinho make four changes at half-time.
Gareth Bale and Dele Alli were among those who started in Belgium, but a poor performance in the first half saw them drag themselves into Lior Refaelov’s goal in the 29th minute.
Mourinho didn’t like what he saw and Alli was one of four men retired at halftime, the second time in three starts this season that he failed to make it to the second half.
The rusty Bale lasted just 58 minutes as Mourinho resorted to bringing in Harry Kane, with Son Heung-min in good shape, one of those already sent into action.
Even that duo, who have been in deadly form so far this season, couldn’t help Tottenham’s blush as they were beaten for the first time in 10 games.
Belgian Pro League leaders Antwerp deserved their victory, which could have been more attractive, and remain undefeated at home in 14 months, taking an early lead in Group J.
Mourinho had made nine changes to the team that won at Burnley on Monday night, with Bale in the second outing of his return from the Spurs.
The Welshman and his incoming teammates had a lot of ball in the final third, but tried to be too intricate with his last pass.
That restricted them to half chances as Bale fired a very wide ambitious effort, Giovani Lo Celso’s curl effort was easily saved by Jean Butez and then Steven Bergwijn also dribbled an effort at Butez.
Things began to slowly come to a halt in an attacking sense as Antwerp entered the game and took a lead in the 29th minute.
Ben Davies was to blame, as Dieumerci Mbokani took him into possession and ran away, putting Refaelov on the tee to shoot home clinically.
Mourinho had seen enough at halftime to take out four players, including Alli.
If the Portuguese were doing it for effect, then they did not have the desired as Antwerp should have extended their advantage.
Harry Winks’ terrible back pass sent Refaelov inside and only a block from Davinson Sánchez prevented the Israeli from doubling his account.
They had another break five minutes later when Mbokani inexplicably shot from two yards after a cross from Koji Miyoshi left him at a plate.
Mourinho then turned to Kane shortly before the hour, replacing Bale, and the dynamics of the game changed.
Son had an effort blocked by Abdoulaye Seck as the Spurs began to push while Erik Lamela was unable to reach the end of a dangerous cross.
But it was Antwerp who continued to have the best chances when they cut Spurs at halftime.
Simen Juklerod had a golden opportunity as he ran clear towards goal, but fired and then Birger Verstraete saw an effort blocked.
The Spurs never threatened a draw, despite some late territorial pressure, and they continue a peculiar record of never having won in Belgium.
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