Talk about an anti-climax.
It’s one of football’s greatest crossovers.
Two of Spurs’ best-ever players, Gareth Bale and Harry Kane, graced the pitch at the same time and nobody even batted an eyelid.
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So, what possibly happened when these two giants of the north London club combined.
Presumably the opposition were put to the sword in devastating fashion? Perhaps Bale and Kane linked-up to score an outrageous goal?
Neither.
They were beaten 1-2 at home by ten-man PAOK Salonika…
Hands up who was expecting that?
That distinctly forgettable Thursday night in November 2011 saw Spurs kiss goodbye to their Europa League hopes.
Harry Redknapp’s side were humiliated by their Greek opponents, with the group-stage defeat just about as embarrassing as they come.
Kane started alongside Jermain Defoe in what would now be a fairly tasty attacking duo.
PAOK raced into a two-goal lead after just 13-minutes and Spurs were in a world of trouble.
Kane was struggling with service from the likes of Jake Livermore and Steven Pienaar. Thankfully, Luka Modric was on-hand.
The Croatian maestro halved the deficit on the stroke of half-time, scoring from the spot in a decision that saw the opposition have a man sent off.
As the clock ticked down and with Spurs still trailing, Redknapp made a sub, the proportions of which could have caused the universe to implode.
Danny Rose made way for Bale, who had been kept on the bench to be used for emergencies only.
His entrance saw him originally deployed at left-back. Pienaar was however subbed for Kyle Walker just five minutes later and Bale moved to left-midfield.
Bale whipping balls onto Kane’s head? My new oxygen.
Sadly, the dream duo lasted just nine minutes together.
In what has transpired to be the worst managerial decision of all time, Redknapp subbed off Kane for Iago Falque. Who?
Unsurprisingly, they failed to draw themselves level and the visitors were 2-1 winners on the night.
Following that nine minute cameo, Kane and Bale were never seen on the pitch together again.
Hindsight is a wonderful thing.
So there you have it.
A tale of two star-crossed lovers.
Fate pulled them apart. It just wasn’t meant to be.
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