Tottenham Hotspur bowed out of the Uefa Cup last night, but not without a fight. A youthful side provided hope when Giovani dos Santos rifled a shot into the top corner early in the second half, but they were unable to turn sustained pressure into a second goal that would have taken the second leg into extra time. It was left to Fernandinho, a Brazilian, to side-foot an equalising goal four minutes from time to secure Shakhtar Donetsk’s passage into the last 16.

Harry Redknapp, who sent out an adventurous formation, took many positives from an uplifting performance that showed what might have been had he felt able to field a stronger team in the tie. He defended his decision to play down the competition, because of concerns over his side’s league position, but his indifference was underlined by his inclusion of Gilberto, who, he had said in December, had no future at the club.

Chris Gunter drove purposefully from right back, Jonathan Obika proved to be a handful in attack and Redknapp raised the possibility of using Tom Huddlestone among three central defenders in future. Jamie O’Hara, on his return from a thigh injury, demonstrated enough fitness to suggest that he could challenge David Bentley for a starting place against Manchester United in the Carling Cup final on Sunday. “O’Hara was top-class and gives you great balance,” Redknapp said. “The lad gave great effort and I am delighted with them. He is a terrific passer and gives you balance.”

Roman Pavlyuchenko has recovered from a groin injury for Wembley and Jonathan Woodgate, who suffered a head injury after scoring the winner against Hull City on Monday, is expected to be paired with Ledley King, who reported no effects from the 2-1 win against Phil Brown’s side, a result that gave Tottenham some breathing space from the relegation zone of the Barclays Premier League. Redknapp had said that he was “not bothered” about the European place on offer for winning the domestic cup competition. His goal is to earn kudos for lifting a trophy five months after taking charge as manager. “I’ve had to juggle the team and I’m pleased with how it’s gone,” he said.

Tottenham were spearheaded by Obika, a muscular forward who has scored regularly for the youth team this season. The 18-year-old showed great promise during the first half, when he surprised the opposition with how quickly he took his shots.

He burst through to fire a shot narrowly wide and then spun his marker on the edge of the area, missing the upright by inches. “He was delighted tonight, apart from when I called him John Utaka in the dressing-room before,” Redknapp said. “He is raw, game and has strength.”

Tottenham drove forward with menace from the start. Razvan Rat was forced to clear off the line, Gilberto headed weakly when free in the box and Huddlestone’s wonderful cross-field pass allowed Gareth Bale to cut into the area, but his shot was saved.

Soon after, Tottenham had two penalty appeals turned down. Fraizer Campbell fell down under a challenge from Rat and moments later the Spurs forward was the victim of a wild kick in the thigh from Fernandinho. But they did not have to wait long for the goal. Giovani, who has looked lightweight since his move from Barcelona last summer, cut inside and unleashed a drive into the top corner.

Shakhtar began to retreat and Tottenham’s stranglehold on the midfield produced another chance. Campbell wriggled into the box and fell after being sandwiched between Rat and Mykola Ischenko, but a third appeal for a spot kick was turned down. “It was a blatant penalty,” Redknapp said.

Shakhtar, who sparkled with invention in the first leg, were too cautious and defensive, but John Bostock’s poor header allowed Fernandinho to settle the tie.

Tottenham Hotspur (4-3-3): H Gomes — C Gunter, P Chimbonda, T Huddlestone, Gilberto (sub: J Bostock, 77min) — W Palacios, J O’Hara (sub: D Parrett, 71), G Bale — Giovani dos Santos, F Campbell, J Obika. Substitutes not used: O Jansson, C Butcher, A Smith, R Mason, A Townsend. Booked: O’Hara, Palacios, Chimbonda.

Shakhtar Donetsk 4-2-3-1): A Pyatov — D Srna, M Ischenko, D Chygrynskyy, R Rat — Fernandinho, M Lewandowski — Ilsinho (sub: O Gay, 80), Jádson, Willian (sub: T Hübschman, 46) — O Gladkyy (sub: M Moreno, 61). Substitutes not used: R Khudzamoz, I Duljaj, I Kucher, Y Seleznov, O Gay, M Moreno. Booked: Lewandowski, Hübschman.

Referee: P Tagliavento (Italy).