Arsenal's controversial 1-0 victory at 18th-placed West Ham United on Sunday provided a pre-match boost for both clubs and Spurs were set to go four points clear of the drop zone when Tel produced a wonderful 50th-minute opener on Monday (Tuesday AEST).
It was followed by a moment of madness from the young forward after he caught Leeds captain Ethan Ampadu in the face with an overhead kick clearance after 69 minutes.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin emphatically converted the spot kick to set up a grandstand finish where Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi turned to James Maddison, who made his first competitive appearance in 12 months after a serious knee injury.
There would be no winning goal, though, at London Stadium after Spurs goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky thwarted Sean Longstaff's powerful added-time strike before a late penalty appeal for Lukas Nmecha's tackle on Maddison was turned down to leave Tottenham only two points above the bottom three.
Kinsky was called into action on 21 minutes when Brenden Aaronson picked out Joe Rodon, but his header was brilliantly stopped by the keeper.
Spurs sparked into life with Tel, Richarlison, Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur all going close.
Leeds' Ao Tanaka sliced off target before Tottenham survived a penalty shout for Destiny Udogie's collision with Calvert-Lewin, who was crucially ruled offside.
Spurs built on that close call and a moment of magic from Tel provided the breakthrough.
Porro's corner was cleared out to Tel, who took a touch and produced a wonderful curled finish into the top corner for his fourth goal of the campaign.
It should have been 2-0 when Randal Kolo Muani got in behind and teed up Richarlison, but he blazed over.
With 21 minutes left, Daniel Farke's side received a gift from Tel.
After Spurs dealt with the initial ball into the area, Tel's attempted acrobatic clearance caught the face of Ampadu and even though Australian referee Jarred Gillett waved play on, a penalty was awarded after a lengthy VAR check and pitchside monitor review.
Calvert-Lewin drilled into the bottom corner for his 14th goal of an excellent season to bring Tottenham right back into a survival battle.
