SINSHEIM, Germany (Reuters) -Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min scored in each half to earn his side a 3-2 victory at Hoffenheim in the Europa League on Thursday. The win strengthened Tottenham's chances of finishing in the top eight of the league,

Son Heung-min hasn't been at his best this season but when Tottenham needed him against Hoffenheim on Thursday he stepped up. His two goals helped ensure the defensive fragility that has caught them out in games in the past did not come to haunt them this time.

Tottenham Hotspur sealed a 3-2 win at Hoffenheim in the Europa League on Thursday, boosting their hopes of automatic qualification for the last 16 and leaving the Germans fretting over elimination. Son Heung Min's brace means the inconsistent north London side are up to sixth and look well-placed ahead of a final round of league games next Thursday when they host Sweden's Elfsborg.

San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich remains away from the bench as he recovers from a stroke, with his return this season still up in the air.

Spurs CEO R.C. Buford says Gregg Popovich is aggressive in his recovery from a November stroke, with the team adding that the Hall of Famer continues to make progress.