Spurs loses to Leipzig 1-0 without Son and Kane

Timo Werner of RB Leipzig (M) celebrates after scoring his team's a goal during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match in London, United Kingdom, February 19, 2020. /VCG

Timo Werner's second-half penalty gave a dominant RB Leipzig a deserved 1-0 victory at Tottenham Hotspur in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.

Werner slotted past Hugo Lloris in the 58th minute after Ben Davies had fouled Konrad Laimer, putting the Bundesliga high-flyers in control ahead of the second leg on March 10.

Spurs could be without the talismanic duo of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min for the rest of the season through injury and looked toothless against the Bundesliga contenders.

Timo Werner of RB Leipzig scores a goal from the penalty spot past Hugo Lloris during the UEFA Champions League round of 16 first leg match in London, United Kingdom, February 19, 2020. /VCG

Mourinho handed Gedson Fernandes just his second start as the 21-year-old Benfica loanee comes in to bolster midfield with Spurs short of options up front.

"We are in a very difficult situation," said Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho. "What worries me is this is going to be the situation until the end of the season."

"One thing I can guarantee is that even with I don't know who is playing in attack, we are going there to attack until our limits," he added.

(With input from AFP and Reuters)