Berbatov brace buckles Bruges
Salou Ibrahim had given the Belgians a 14th-minute lead in the Group B clash with a spectacular strike, but Berbatov levelled almost immediately with a cool volley.
Aaron Lennon had been deployed on the left and created plenty of chances for himself but, like against Watford at the weekend, failed to produce the finishing touch.
It was left to Bulgaria striker Berbatov to unlock the visitors, sending through Robbie Keane for Spurs’ second before heading in a third.
It took his tally to the season to four goals — three have come in the UEFA Cup — and he received a rapturous ovation when substituted 11 minutes from full-time.
It also meant Spurs have maximum points at the halfway stage of the group stage, with the knockout round within sight and a trip to Bayer Leverkusen next up.
Just as Spurs thought they were establishing a foothold, the visitors were ahead in spectacular fashion in the 14th minute.
Englebert fed Ibrahim on the edge of the area and the Ghana striker turned and found the corner of the net over Robinson’s dive.
The fine strike was the first goal Spurs had conceded in this season’s competition.
But the hosts were level within three minutes, after Lennon had forced a handball from Sven Vermant 40 yards from goal.
Jenas’ free-kick was headed up by Pascal Chimbonda and Berbatov steered his volley into the bottom corner.
Clive Allen’s goals had proved the difference when the two teams played in the 1985 campaign and the Spurs legend, now reserves boss at the club, would have approved of the finish.
The hosts appeared to grow in confidence after they levelled, and they had another weak penalty turned down when Maertens appeared to handle in the area.
Hossam Ghaly then curled a shot over after Lennon had committed goalkeeper Stijn Stijnen. Keane had played the winger through, he danced around Stijnen before Berbatov prodded the ball to Ghaly, but his finish was inaccurate.
Neither side made changes at the break, with Spurs continuing to press after the restart.
Berbatov set up Spurs goal as they took the lead in the 63rd minute, the Bulgaria striker hooking the ball over the Bruges defence before Keane raced through and scored with a precise drilled finish.
Berbatov established a two-goal cushion in the 73rd minute when Ghaly’s cross from the right was headed in by the striker, capping a fine performance when he was often seen back in midfield retrieving the ball.
With 11 minutes left, Lennon was taken off for Danny Murphy, while Berbatov left to a standing ovation when Mido replaced him.
TOTTENHAM: Robinson, Chimbonda, Dawson, King, Assou-Ekotto, Ghaly, Zokora, Jenas, Lennon (Murphy 80), Berbatov (Mido 80), Keane.
CLUB BRUGGE: Stijnen, Pedersen, Clement, Maertens (Vandelannoite 80), Gvozdenovic, Matondo, Vermant, Blondel, Englebert, Ibrahim, Balaban (Ishiaku 90).
Ref: Alberto Undiano Mallenco (Spain).
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