0-0 v AC Milan - 9 March 2011 - Home

Tottenham survived a night of gripping tension at White Hart Lane to overcome AC Milan and reach the last eight of the Champions League.

The Italians forced Spurs into a dogged rearguard action for long spells to protect the slender lead Peter Crouch's goal gave them from the first leg in the San Siro and ensure they succeeded where arch-rivals Arsenal failed in European combat.

And despite living on their nerves, especially during a first half dominated by the visitors, Harry Redknapp's side demonstrated that they have added a streak of defensive resilience to the verve that has characterised earlier contests in their Champions League campaign.

Milan, with ageless Dutch master Clarence Seedorf outstanding, laid siege to the Spurs goal in the first half.

Goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes saved from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Pato, while William Gallas kept Milan at bay with a priceless goal-line clearance from Robinho's deflected shot.

The hosts improved after the break but it was still Milan who provided the threat, with Mathieu Flamini and Pato coming desperately close to forcing extra time as the home fans watched the clock counting down with increasing anxiety.

Redknapp has found heroes in attack as Spurs have progressed impressively in Europe but here they were uncovered elsewhere, with veteran Gallas magnificent in defence and the rapidly maturing Sandro a significant presence in midfield.

White Hart Lane exploded in jubilation when referee Frank de Bleeckere sounded the final whistle and Spurs marched on after another glory, glory night.

Redknapp, who becomes the first English manager to take an English side to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, has now masterminded victories over both Milan giants following the win over holders Inter Milan in the group stages.

Spurs can now await the draw for the last eight, which takes place on 18 March, knowing they have already created a huge impact in the Champions League - but with the enticing opportunity of going further into the latter stages.

Redknapp resisted the temptation to risk midfielder Gareth Bale, who has been suffering with a back injury, and his pace, power and threat were missed as Milan swiftly took charge of proceedings.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri, knowing the Italians needed a goal, made no concessions to conservatism as Pato, Robinho and Ibrahimovic all started and exerted influence on a first 45 minutes dominated by the Rossoneri.

Gomes, whose handling and lines of communication with his defenders were riddled with uncertainty during the early exchanges, saved well from Ibrahimovic's free-kick but was fortunate to escape as Milan almost opened the scoring after 25 minutes.

From the bottom of the Premier League on the day Redknapp left Portsmouth and headed for north London, Spurs now deservedly take their place in the last eight of Europe's elite club competition.

The keeper's ill-judged dash from goal allowed Pato to round him, and as he struggled to regain his ground Gomes was relieved to see Gallas clear Robinho's deflected shot off the line.

Spurs have become accustomed to exerting their authority at home in this Champions League campaign but found themselves on the receiving end of a Milan performance packed with the intensity conspicuously absent from the first leg in the San Siro.

Rafael van der Vaart almost made the visitors pay the price for their ambition with a dipping free-kick that landed on top of the net before Gomes was called into action again to save low down from Pato after he was played in by Ibrahimovic.

Crouch had troubled the Italians in the air but wasted an opportunity just after the break by heading into an empty six-yard area when an attempt on goal was the obvious option.

Flamini, jeered roundly for the twin crimes of previously playing for Arsenal and for his horror tackle on Vedran Corluka in the first leg, almost silenced the taunts with a low drive that flew inches wide with no colleague able to apply the final touch.

Gomes survived another scare after 64 minutes when he failed to hold Robinho's shot but recovered as the Brazilian tried to force home the rebound.

It was the signal for Redknapp to introduce Bale in place of Van der Vaart, who was not able to reproduce the explosive impact of previous European nights at White Hart Lane.

As the game entered its final 15 minutes Milan's efforts carried an increasing desperation, but an effort from Pato flew so narrowly off target that the massed ranks of visiting fans thought they had equalised.

Robinho almost grabbed the goal Milan craved as the tie entered stoppage time, but to the collective relief of Spurs and their supporters he was high with his fizzing drive - and moments later the party started.