Tottenham Hotspur suffered a dismal demolition at the hands of Atletico Madrid in their Champions League last-16 first leg tie, with Igor Tudor’s side slipping to a 5-2 loss after a remarkable opening 22 minutes in Madrid.
The visitors found themselves a goal down within six minutes after a slip from Antonin Kinsky allowed Marcos Llorente to open the scoring, and the hosts had a second not long later when Micky van de Ven slipped to allow Antoine Griezmann in to slide in an accomplished finish.
It looked bleak for Spurs already but it only got worse moments later when Kinsky scuffed a pass into the path of Julian Alvarez, who tapped in to an open net for 3-0.
The drama continued as Tudor made the decision to withdraw Kinsky in favour of Guglielmo Vicario, but the substitution made no difference as Robin Le Normand nodded in a fourth for the hosts within 22 minutes.
Spurs had the chance to get back in it after Pedro Porro pulled one back but the hosts added a fifth in the second half as Alvarez secured a brace, and while Dominic Solanke’s late goal gives his side hope, the hosts look like they need a miracle if they want to get anything out of next week’s second leg.
Follow all the reaction from Atletico v Tottenham below:
Atletico v Tottenham | Champions League live
- Atletico beat Tottenham 5-2 in Champions league last-16 first leg tie
- 76' GOAL! Solanke gives Spurs late lifeline [ATM 5-2 TOT]
- 55' GOAL! Alvarez grabs brace after superb Griezmann assist [ATM 5-1 TOT]
- 26' GOAL! Porro pulls one back for visitors [ATM 4-1 TOT]
- 22' GOAL! Le Normand bundles in fourth [ATM 4-0 TOT]
- 17' SUB! Kinsky subbed off after mistakes [ATM 3-0 TOT]
- 15' GOAL! Alvarez taps into empty net after Kinsky error [ATM 3-0 TOT]
- 14' GOAL! Griezmann punishes van de Ven mistake [ATM 2-0 TOT]
- 6' GOAL! Llorente fires in after Kinsky mistake [ATM 1-0 TOT]
Tottenham lose their balance, the ball and all remaining dignity in abject defeat to Atletico
23:03 , Chris WilsonIf nothing else, Tottenham Hotspur succeeded in putting the mad into Madrid. And yet there may be a sliver of a chance the craziest bit is still to come. In the meltdown in the Metropolitano, Spurs appeared to knock themselves out of the Champions League in 22 strange, shocking minutes. An hour later, Dominic Solanke’s goal might have offered a lifeline to a team seemingly with a death wish. A triumphant comeback next week went from impossible to merely improbable.
Because Tottenham could be grateful they leave Spain only beaten 5-2. They seemed to turn up in the wrong boots, with the wrong goalkeeper and the wrong manager. They gifted Atletico Madrid an assortment of ridiculous goals, the first three each sillier than the last, the fifth with a hole where their defence was supposed to be. A team with a capacity for slip-ups took it literally, losing their balance, the ball, their dignity and, probably, their place in the Champions League. Their manager may lose his job.
Tottenham lose all remaining dignity in abject defeat to Atletico as Tudor faces axe
Champions League fixures
00:00 , Chris WilsonAnd here’s what tomorrow has in store for us then:
Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal
PSG vs Chelsea
Real Madrid vs Man City
Bodo/Glimt vs Sporting CP
Champions League reports
23:50 , Chris WilsonYou can read what happened in this evening’s other games by following the links below:
McManaman: 'When it’s bad, say it’s bad'
23:40 , Chris Wilson“He was spiky yesterday before the game. You would have though the Champions League was a bit of a respite, a breath of fresh air,” says McManaman on Tudor.
“And again he hasn’t helped himself today, he should be there fronting up. He’s the one who needs to front up, he’s the one who’s getting paid.
“When it’s bad, say it’s bad, apologise, say ‘I’m sorry’, and have this air of positivity. We understand it was bad luck today, and you’re right, Romero and Palhinha getting concussion, everything is just piling up.
“But he knew that, he was brought in when they were in a dire position. The fact that he’s made them more dire is on him,” added the former Liverpool midfielder.
Pundits criticise Igor Tudor after Tottenham manager withdraws Kinsky early in crushing Atletico loss
23:30 , Chris WilsonTottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor has come under criticism for his decision-making and reactions after his side’s dismal 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
The former Juventus manager made the decision to start substitute goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky for the first leg at the Metropolitano, though his choice quickly backfired as the 22-year-old made an early mistake to gift the hosts the opener before a slip a few minutes later allowed Julian Alvarez to tap in the third.
Pundits criticise Tudor after Spurs boss withdraws Kinsky in crushing Atletico loss
Igor Tudor defends decision to start Antonin Kinsky against Atletico despite disaster in Madrid
23:20 , Chris WilsonIgor Tudor insisted he made the right decision to pick Antonin Kinsky against Atletico Madrid – even as he ended up substituting the goalkeeper in the 17th minute after two horrible blunders and with Tottenham 3-0 down.
The Croatian, who replied “no comment” when asked if he deserved to remain in charge of Spurs, said he had never taken a goalkeeper off as early during his 15 years as a manager and said Kinsky apologised to the team for his mistakes.
The 22-year-old Czech was surprisingly selected ahead of usual first-choice Guglielmo Vicario, who was instead brought off the bench and conceded the last two goals in Atletico’s 5-2 win.
Tudor defends decision to start Kinsky against Atletico despite disaster in Madrid
Hart: Spurs are 'faceless'
23:10 , Chris Wilson“We talk about Tottenham at the moment, they’re faceless, who’s in charge of it?” asks Joe Hart after seeing the comments from Igor Tudor.
“How can the man who’s been put in charge to steer them in a better direction not want to speak? What sort of message is he sending there? Did he send a message to the fans, he didn’t acknowledge them in the stadium.
“To say that you’re not willing to speak...that’s your job, you’re the coach, it’s no surprise the club are under the cosh at the moment. You need someone standing up in front of the media, re-assuring everyone, you can send message to your opponents, your players, and it’s just not being used.
“He’s almost tried to say they were unlucky tonight...that’s not the message you want to hear,” added the former City ‘keeper.
Up next
22:55 , Chris WilsonIt doesn’t get any easier for Spurs either. Here’s the list of their next fixtures:
15 March - Liverpool A
18 March - Atletico Madrid H
22 March - Nottingham Forest H
12 April - Sunderland A
18 April - Brighton H
Tottenham’s Antonin Kinsky replaced after letting in three goals in 17 minutes on disastrous Champions League debut
22:50 , Chris WilsonTottenham keeper Antonin Kinsky was replaced just 17 minutes into his side’s Champions League last-16 first leg after a disastrous debut.
Head coach Igor Tudor opted to replace first-choice keeper Guglielmo Vicario with Kinsky for the first leg of their knockout tie against Atletico Madrid, despite the Czech having only made two appearances this season, both in the Carabao Cup.
It was a baptism of fire for Kinsky, who endured a torrid start in just his 13th appearance for the club, with Spurs ultimately losing 5-2 and further piling pressure on the squad and manager.
Antonin Kinsky replaced after just 17 minutes in disastrous Champions League debut
Tudor: 'Better less talking'
22:44 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Igor Tudor had to say after the full-time whistle:
“After you see what happened, for sure it was the wrong decision. It was for me, the right decision to do, taken before, because the team changed the competition. But what happened is it, it happened,” he says on the decision to start Kinsky.
“No, we don’t need to comment, to speak too much. Strange game, we gave them three goals, and then the problems kill us. Very strange, very unusual, so it took our confidence.
“We had a good opportunity to make it 4-2, and then we concede for 5-1, 5-2. We apologise for the fans who were here.
“Everything is going wrong, small mistakes, even this situation in the end, two players out, everything is going against us.
“I need to have [confidence], need to keep working, not speaking too much, focusing on the things we can do. It’s difficult to explain, it’s the first time we see this. I’m focused, we need to stay positive.
“It’s not about me, we need to stay calm, less talking. Better less talking, now is not the moment to give big explanations, we need to stay calm and continue,” he added as he finished.
More from McManaman
22:40 , Chris WilsonHere’s more from McManaman on Tudor:
“At half-time he's gone back to bringing on Solanke, who you thought should have played, Conor Gallagher, Xavi Simons, Palhinha, who would've been ideal for tonight.
“He's almost decided his own fate, really, tonight. Every decision he's made he's gone against it at half-time. It was a surreal performance,” he added.
McManaman on Tudor
22:36 , Chris Wilson“He was brought in for an immediate bounce, immediate reaction, because that is what his career as a manager is all about," says Steve McManaman on interim Spurs manager Igor Tudor.
“He goes into clubs, gets an immediate reaction, gets results, then six months later may leave the club. It was an unusual appointment. I don't think even the ardent Tottenham fan could see Igor Tudor being parachuted in to save them.
“It wasn't just the performance tonight, it was everything on the periphery. The peripheral nonsense on the goalkeepers, how he chose his team, his set-up,” adds the former Liverpool midfielder.
Match stats
22:32 , Chris WilsonTottenham have now lost six consecutive matches in all competitions for the first time in their history.
Tudor is also the first manager in Spurs history to lose each of his first four matches in charge.
Champions League results
22:28 , Chris WilsonHere’s the full list of results from tonight’s games then:
Galatasaray 1-0 Liverpool
Newcastle 1-1 Barcelona
Atalanta 1-6 Bayern Munich
Atletico Madrid 5-2 Tottenham
McManaman: Spurs 'look lost'
22:23 , Chris Wilson“They look lost, a lot of the players, don't they? Of course, they're trying their heart out, they don't want to be in a relegation battle, they know what Tottenham is all about,” says McManaman on TNT Sports.
“They know what it is all about but with the injury problems they've had - and they've had more tonight - it just seems to be piling on, one after the other.
“Now they have to go to Anfield at the weekend and their three central defenders were off today and Palhinha went off with concussion, so I don't know if they can play.
“Tonight, forget about the result of the game, the overall optics have made things a lot, lot worse. I didn't like the manager's behaviour tonight,” he added.
FULL-TIME! Atletico 5-2 Tottenham
22:18 , Chris WilsonQuestions for Tudor over taking off (and starting) Kinsky today.
“The fact he’s taken him off, he’s done nothing in that game to try and hurt Spurs, but to just rip him off in that situation, to not even acknowledge him, how is that good for him?” asks Joe Hart.
“He’s a young boy learning his trade, we understand the mistakes he’s made, but as you said it wasn’t about that. It was a small thing he needed to do [put his arm around him],” adds Steve McManaman.
“I’ve got no problem with bringing him off, but then go over and say ‘don’t worry’. It takes five seconds, the optics are terrible.”
FULL-TIME! Atletico 5-2 Tottenham
22:14 , Chris WilsonIt is exceptionally difficult to sum up that game for anybody who didn’t watch it, but it was defined by a remarkable opening 22 minutes that really settled it as a contest.
Two mistakes from Antonin Kinsky gave Llorente the opener and Alvarez the third either side of a van de Ven slip that allowed Griezmann to score his second, and while Kinsky was then subbed off on 17 minutes, it made little difference as Le Normand bagged the fourth on 22 minutes.
Spurs thought they were back in it when Porro pulled one back before half-time, while though Alavarez added his side’s fifth in the second half. Though a late Solanke goal gives his side hope, it looks all done in this tie.
So many questions for Spurs and Tudor, but we’ll have to start with the choice to start Kinsky.
We’l bring you all the reaction right here.
FULL-TIME! Atletico 5-2 Tottenham
22:07 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Atletico 5-2 Tottenham
22:04 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the final whistle and it’s the end of another dark day for Spurs.
Atletico 5-2 Tottenham
21:58 , Chris Wilson90 +5 mins
Romero stays on originally but he is down again within seconds. He’s off and down the tunnel too.
Atletico 5-2 Tottenham
21:58 , Chris Wilson90 +5 mins
Palhinha has indeed gone off and is straight down the tunnel, and Spurs will finish the game with 10 men.
Atletico 5-2 Tottenham
21:57 , Chris Wilson90 +4 mins
A lengthy delay as both receive treatment. I’d avoid watching a replay of that one!
Both players are up and walking, but both should be taken off really.
Atletico 5-2 Tottenham
21:54 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
We’ll have a delay here after a nasty clash of heads between Palhinha and Romero.
Atletico 5-2 Tottenham
21:53 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Into the first of three minutes of added time at the Metropolitano.
Atletico 5-2 Tottenham
21:49 , Chris Wilson86 mins
Almost a golden opening for the visitors as the ball breaks kindly for Simons, but he doesn’t even attempt the through ball! It would’ve sent Solanke through!
Poor from the Dutchman there.
Atletico 5-2 Tottenham
21:47 , Chris Wilson85 mins
A yellow card for Romero late on here after a collision in mid-air. Unsurprisingly, Simeone seems to gesture for a red card to be awarded.
Atletico 5-2 Tottenham
21:46 , Chris Wilson83 mins
Spence is the one to make way for Simons. Off camera, the defender apparently went to the bench and back across to his manager to acknowledge him.
Atletico 5-2 Tottenham
21:44 , Chris Wilson81 mins
Atleti bring on Koke for Griezmann. Xavi Simons is getting ready for Spurs as they look to grab a late lifeline.
Atletico 5-2 Tottenham
21:41 , Chris Wilson79 mins
CLOSE! A chance for the visitors as the cross from the right is almost steered goalwards by Gray, before Spence fails to make anything of the loose ball.
Atletico 5-2 Tottenham
21:40 , Chris Wilson78 mins
Spurs will just be thinking that if they can get the deficit back to two goals, there’s a chance...
The problem now is whether they can stop the hosts scoring again.
GOAL! Atletico 5-2 Tottenham
21:39 , Chris Wilson76 mins
GOAL! Surely not...
Another ridiculous goal here, as Oblak has few options and plays a pass straight to Gallagher.
He ships it on to Solanke, who is already 1-v-1, and he lashes a brilliant finish in to reduce the deficit.
Atletico 5-1 Tottenham
21:34 , Chris Wilson72 mins
10 individual slips for Spurs players up to this point, apparently. Atletico players certainly don’t look that troubled!
The hosts bring off Alvarez for Nicolas Gonzalez.
Atletico 5-1 Tottenham
21:32 , Chris Wilson69 mins
Another half-chance for Solanke there as he gets onto the end of a ball into the box, he again he can’t get clean contact on it.
Atletico 5-1 Tottenham
21:30 , Chris Wilson67 mins
Subs for both sides here. Atleti bring on Alexander Sorloth and Pablo Barrios for Llorente and Lookman.
Spurs take off Richarlison for Joao Palhinha.
Atletico 5-1 Tottenham
21:27 , Chris Wilson64 mins
A chance for Solanke as a ball into the box bounces to him a few yards out, but he can’t get clean contact!
Atletico 5-1 Tottenham
21:23 , Chris Wilson61 mins
A yellow for Archie Gray as he stops a counter-attack. It might sound silly to say it now but that fifth has really taken away any Spurs momentum!
Atletico 5-1 Tottenham
21:22 , Richard JollyThe latest thoughts of Richard Jolly at the Metropolitano:
“In the 1963 Cup Winners' Cup final, Spurs beat Atletico 5-1. They haven't met since but if Atleti have waited 63 years for revenge, it is now 5-1.”
GOAL! Atletico 5-1 Tottenham
21:19 , Chris Wilson56 mins
GOAL! Atleti go up the other end and grab a fifth!
This is a lovely goal too, and just 12 seconds after the Oblak save.
It’s cleared from Oblak’s stop, and Griezmann is there to cushion a beautiful touch behind himself and into the path of Alvarez, who is now clean through.
It’s a foot race with Porro and Spence but he has a head-start as he races into the box, and he has the composure to slide a low finish into the far corner for his side’s fifth.
Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
21:17 , Chris Wilson54 mins
SAVE! A great save from Oblak!
The cross comes in from Spence and Richarlison has a free header, but it’s beaten away by the ‘keeper!
Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
21:15 , Chris Wilson52 mins
Atletico don’t seem too keen to push on and score more at the moment, likely feeling that it’s quite a good cushion to have. They’re certainly not struggling but they don’t look in a rush, perhaps understandably.
Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
21:11 , Chris Wilson48 mins
Half a chance for Lookman earlier on as he got free in the box, but Vicario did well to deal with the cross.
Changes at half-time for Spurs too, with Dominic Solanke and Conor Gallagher on for Kolo Muani and Tel.
KICK-OFF! Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
21:07 , Chris WilsonBack underway in the Spanish capital.
HALF-TIME! Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
21:06 , Chris WilsonThe players are back out onto the pitch, so we’ll be back underway soon.
HALF-TIME! Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
21:01 , Chris WilsonHow do you even sum up that half from a Tottenham point of view?
A brutal first half for the visitors and for nobody more so than Kinsky, who was taken off within 17 minutes. Whether or not that will be the end of his Spurs career remains to be seen, but it should certainly be the end of Igor Tudor’s.
Unless, that is, he can put together one of the great European comebacks over the next half and the second leg.
Spurs were threatening at points after getting their goal and you never know in these kinds of ties...
HALF-TIME! Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
20:56 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
20:51 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the half to an end and we go into the break at 4-1 after a scarcely believable 45 minutes of football.
Spurs find themselves 4-1 down after a disastrous 22 minutes – with ‘keeper Antonin Kinsky subbed after 17 minutes – but they pulled one back through Porro and they’ve guven a spirited performance since, to be fair to them.
The question now is does it collapse further from here? We’ll find out soon.
Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
20:49 , Chris Wilson45 +1 mins
Into the first of two minutes of added time at the end of a remarkable half.
Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
20:48 , Chris Wilson45 mins
A free-kick in a dangerous area for Spurs, but Romero can’t get a header on target.
Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
20:47 , Chris Wilson42 mins
CLOSE! It should be five.
Ruggeri receives a lovely through ball on the left and cuts it back. They’re lining up to tap it in but Griezmann misses the ball completely before Llorente takes a touch and fires wide!
Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
20:44 , Chris Wilson40 mins
Oh my word! Van de Ven has got away with it! He should probably be off here, as he’s gone flying in at the edge of the box and has made a studs-up connection.
Another slip from Danso sees him concede a free-kick near the Atleti box – there have been several high-profile slips already today!
Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
20:43 , Chris Wilson39 mins
Tension here – and Atletico players off the bench in unison – after a poor challenge from van de Ven goes unpunished.
For now...it’ll be reviewed and it was very high...
Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
20:41 , Chris Wilson36 mins
OFF THE POST! A chance for Spurs, with Romero heading off the post from a corner!
The angle was against him though, and he probably should have tried to go back across goal.
Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
20:39 , Chris Wilson33 mins
CLOSE! Spurs have arguably been the better side since scoring but Atleti have a chance here, Vicario making a good save from Lookman after the latter had latched onto a through ball.
Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
20:35 , Richard JollyThe thoughts of Richard Jolly, who’s in place at the Metropolitano:
“Those with an interest in dynasties of medieval monarchs may have noted it is a good day for Le Normand and a terrible one for Tudor so far. 1066 and all that...”
Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
20:33 , Chris Wilson29 mins
A quite incredible first half so far at the Metropolitano. It almost defies belief what we’ve seen here!
Spurs almost find a way back into it too as a header from a free-kick is powered goalwards, but Oblak is equal to it.
GOAL! Atletico 4-1 Tottenham
20:30 , Chris Wilson26 mins
Out of nowhere, Spurs have one back!
The ball is slid trough to Richarlison on the left. He cuts back and squares it to Porro, who takes a touch past the defender before rifling in a low effort past Oblak!
GOAL! Atletico 4-0 Tottenham
20:28 , Chris Wilson22 mins
GOAL! It’s a fourth for the hosts and we could well be looking at Tudor’s final evening as Spurs boss.
A free-kick comes in from the right and Vicario makes a great save from the header initially but Le Normand is there to bundle in a header.
The away end is emptying already.
Atletico 3-0 Tottenham
20:24 , Chris Wilson19 mins
Kinsky has now been subbed for Vicario. You have to feel for the ‘keeper – the commentators are putting a lot of the blame on Igor Tudor.
'This is astonishing'
20:24 , Chris WilsonReaction to a ridiculous few minutes from Richard Jolly, who’s in place at the Metropolitano:
“This is astonishing. A team in complete meltdown making mistake after mistake, each one worse than the last.
“Poor Antonin Kinsky. That must be one of the most ignominious performances a goalkeeper has every produced.”
GOAL! Atletico 3-0 Tottenham
20:22 , Chris Wilson15 mins
GOAL! Oh my word, this could be the end of Kinsky’s Spurs career.
The ‘keeper tries to square a pass for a defender but he scuffs it and it falls straight at the feet of Alvarez, who simply taps into an open net!
GOAL! Atletico 2-0 Tottenham
20:17 , Chris Wilson14 mins
GOAL! It’s a second for Atletico!
Van de Ven slips in defence and Griezmann latches onto it, producing a nice dummy before sliding a low finish past Kinsky.
Llorente scores again against English opposition
20:17 , Richard JollyReaction from Richard Jolly, who’s in place at the Metropolitano:
“Marcos Llorente tends to save his Champions League goals for English clubs. He got a brace away at Liverpool in 2020 and named his dog Anfield. Another mistake by Kinsky and he may find himself the name of Llorente's next pet.”
Atletico 1-0 Tottenham
20:16 , Chris Wilson12 mins
Better from Spence down the left as the ball almost breaks for him in the box, but Oblak is there to collect.
Moments later, Kolo Muani thinks he’s won a corner but he couldn’t keep the ball in play.
'An awful moment' for Kinsky
20:14 , Richard Jolly,Reaction from Richard Jolly, who’s in place at the Metropolitano:
“Has Igor Tudor's biggest selection gamble failed already? Antonin Kinsky gave the ball away there for the Atletico goal. In his defence, the Czech slipped. But it was an awful moment for him.”
Atletico 1-0 Tottenham
20:13 , Chris Wilson9 mins
Atletico have continued to trouble Spurs since the opener, with a set-piece almost causing problems moments ago.
The visitors desperately need to regroup here.
GOAL! Atletico 1-0 Tottenham
20:11 , Chris Wilson6 mins
GOAL! Llorente has the opener after a mistake from Kinsky!
The Spurs ‘keeper slips as he tries to clear and it runs to Lookman. He squares it to a teammate and it’s laid off to Llorente, who arrows a lovely finish low and into the far corner.
Atletico 0-0 Tottenham
20:09 , Chris Wilson5 mins
An early half-chance for Atleti as Lookman clips in a ball and Griezmann sees his effort deflected away by van de Ven.
Atletico 0-0 Tottenham
20:07 , Chris Wilson3 mins
The hosts are just starting to settle into possession now. They’re knocking it around confidently but they haven’t been probing the Spurs defence.
Spence is the first booking of the night for an early foul on Griezmann on the wing.
Atletico 0-0 Tottenham
20:05 , Chris Wilson1 min
A promising start for Spurs as Tel gets the cross away down the left, but it’s cleared.
KICK-OFF! Atletico 0-0 Tottenham
20:03 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at the Metropolitano! What can Spurs produce tonight?
Atletico v Tottenham
19:55 , Flo Clifford
Team news reminder
19:52 , Flo CliffordAtletico XI: Oblak, Pubill, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri, Simeone, Llorente, Cardoso, Lookman, Alvarez, Griezmann.
Tottenham XI: Kinsky, Romero, Danso, Van de Ven, Porro, Sarr, Gray, Spence, Tel, Richarlison, Kolo Muani.
Match stats
19:47 , Chris WilsonAtletico have progressed from two of their three previous Champions League last 16 ties against English clubs, beating Liverpool in 2019/20 and Manchester United in 2021/22, while losing the other to Chelsea in 2020/21.
However, Tottenham have only lost one of their last five Champions League meetings with Spanish opponents (a 2-4 home defeat to Barcelona in the 2018/19 group stage).
The Champions League has eroded the soul of European football – here’s how to fix it
19:42 , Chris WilsonWhen the draw for the Champions League last 16 was made, there were at least a few Uefa figures who winced. That was because they were anticipating reactions like that of Pep Guardiola, who rightly said it was “a little bit weird” that Manchester City and Real Madrid were facing each other for the fifth consecutive season and sixth occasion in seven years. Some in Uefa counter that comes from the clear logic of the new seeding system, that the clubs voted for.
But what else is likely to happen when it’s mostly the same teams all the time? And now, increasingly, when it’s teams from the same country all the time?
England has six clubs in the Champions League last 16, which is obviously unprecedented. High-level Uefa sources would privately admit such a situation - from any country - is also undesirable. The greater issue is that the very structuring of European football makes it more likely to happen, not less.
The Champions League has eroded the soul of European football – here’s how to fix it
Atletico v Madrid
19:35 , Richard Jolly in MadridTottenham are back at the Metropolitano, scene of their only Champions League final, for what might be their last Champions League away game for quite a while.
Igor Tudor has picked a reasonably logical team but with a very notable choice in goal: Guglielmo Vicario is dropped with Antonin Kinsky preferred. Conor Gallagher, sold by Atleti two months ago, is benched on his return to the Metropolitano.
‘A good clear out is needed’: Fans fume as Tottenham Hotspur flirts with relegation
19:25 , Chris WilsonOur community is united in frustration as Igor Tudor’s tactics fail to arrest Tottenham’s slide, leaving fans fearing relegation and demanding urgent change...
Tottenham Hotspur fans are at their wits’ end after a disastrous run has left the club flirting with relegation.
Supporters described a squad lacking effort, spirit, and direction. They said they were frustrated by constant underperformance despite recent attempts to strengthen in the summer and January transfer windows.
Many argued the crisis runs far deeper than the players on the pitch. Fans pointed the finger at former chairman Daniel Levy, the Lewis Family Trust, and the board, criticising poor decisions on managers — from sacking Ange Postecoglou after he won the Europa League last season to replacing him with Thomas Frank, whose 34.2 per cent win rate is the lowest for a permanent manager in the club’s modern history.
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‘A good clear out is needed’: Fans fume as Spurs flirts with relegation
Head-to-head
19:15 , Chris WilsonThis will be just the second ever meeting between these two sides, following the European Cup Winners' Cup final in 1963.
That match finished in a resounding win for Spurs, with Jimmy Greaves scoring twice in a 5-1 win in Rotterdam.
The Champions League is irrelevant for Spurs but Atletico Madrid are their alternative reality
19:05 , Chris WilsonFor Tottenham Hotspur, it is a return that underlines a sense of wasted possibilities. They are back in Spain for the first time since May’s Europa League final ended their 17-year for a trophy, back at the Metropolitano where, in 2019, they had hoped to win the Champions League for the first time in their history.
And yet, somehow, this may be the least important game of their season. A far greater crisis has enveloped Tottenham. Atletico Madrid could represent an alternative reality for them, a club who have had their own unhappy experience of Champions League finals, who usually finish behind the superclubs in their own country, but who are nevertheless constants in the most prestigious and profitable continental competition.
The Champions League is irrelevant for Spurs but Atleti are their alternative reality
Atletico team news
19:01 , Flo CliffordAtletico boss Simeone has made six changes from the side that beat Real Sociedad in La Liga this weekend.
Johnny Cardoso - who US team boss Mauricio Pochettino will no doubt be keeping an eye on - comes into the starting XI alongside Marcos Llorente, Julian Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann, Robin Le Normand and Marc Pubill.
They replace Nahuel Molina, Jose Maria Gimenez, Rodri Mendoza, Koke, Thiago Almada and Alexander Sorloth.
Tottenham team news
18:56 , Flo CliffordFour changes for Spurs after the humbling 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace: Kinsky comes in for Vicario between the sticks, with Richarlison starting (as Tudor promised beforehand) alongside Romero - back from suspension - and Spence.
Souza, Palhina and Solanke are out of the XI, the latter two on the bench.
Atletico line-up
18:51 , Flo CliffordAtletico XI: Oblak, Pubill, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri, Simeone, Llorente, Cardoso, Lookman, Alvarez, Griezmann.
Substitutes: Musso, Gimenez, Koke, Barrios, Sorloth, Baena, Almada, Lenglet, Molina, Vargas, Gonzalez, Diaz.
Tottenham line-up
18:49 , Flo CliffordTottenham XI: Kinsky, Romero, Danso, Van de Ven, Porro, Sarr, Gray, Spence, Tel, Richarlison, Kolo Muani.
Substitutes: Vicario, Austin, Dragusin, Palhinha, Simons, Solanke, Gallagher, Olusesi, Rowswell.
Tonight's Spurs side in Madrid 📋 pic.twitter.com/jjwDivwZlV
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 10, 2026
Team news
18:40 , Chris WilsonLine-ups will be released in roughly five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for both sides...
The positive news for Tottenham is they may be bolstered by some returns from injury: Djed Spence may be fit to feature after a calf injury, and Radu Dragusin, who missed the previous game with a knock, will be assessed, although the game may come too soon for Destiny Udogie.
Micky van de Ven - who was sent off against Crystal Palace midweek, precipitating a complete Spurs collapse - will be available, and Cristian Romero is another to have served a suspension domestically and is eligible to play.
Simeone may be without January signing Rodrigo Mendoza, who picked up an ankle issue in their previous game against Real Sociedad, but other than that Atletico are expected to field a full-strength side.
Match stats
18:32 , Chris WilsonAtletico have only won one of their last 10 Champions League meetings with English clubs, beating Manchester United 1-0 in March 2022.
Spurs have faced Atlético Madrid just once before in European competition, beating them in the 1963 Cup Winners' Cup final 5-1.
Igor Tudor urges Tottenham to adopt ‘different mentality’ in Champions League after dire run
18:24 , Chris WilsonIgor Tudor has acknowledged Tottenham's main priority is Premier League survival, but urged them to use the Champions League to switch momentum after a dire run of results.
Spurs are back at Atletico Madrid's Riyadh Air Metropolitano for the first time since they lost to Liverpool in the 2019 Champions League final and the north London club are mired in a relegation fight after an 11-match winless league run this year.
Already with an eight-player injury list, any further absentees could damage Tottenham's hopes of staying up and Tudor agreed when asked if Tuesday's last-16 first-leg tie was a free hit and a chance to try some new ideas.
Igor Tudor urges Tottenham to adopt ‘different mentality’ in Europe after dire run
Mauricio Pochettino to attend Tottenham Champions League match amid reunion links
18:12 , Chris WilsonFormer Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be in attendance as his old club face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Spurs are set to play Atletico at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
The venue holds a poignant significance for Tottenham, as it was the site of their 2019 Champions League final defeat under Pochettino’s management.
Mauricio Pochettino to attend Tottenham Champions League match amid reunion links
Tottenham are dreadful and only getting worse after two fatal errors
18:00 , Chris WilsonIt might not have been the wisest idea for Igor Tudor to opt for a nautical reference. “The boat is going in the direction I want,” said the Tottenham manager. The temptation was to reply that it is a sinking ship, that the vessel Tudor commands is the Titanic, with deluxe furnishings, but going down.
Thursday’s 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace suggested that, in 2026, the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will host the NFL, Bad Bunny, Atletico Madrid and Lincoln City. It would be an eclectic assortment. Few go from Champions League to Championship in a few months. Tottenham might, and there would be something hubristic about a club that signed up for the Super League in 2021 descending to a very different division five years later. Although considering Spurs’ only wins in 2026 have come against German opposition, perhaps they should apply to join the Bundesliga instead.
Tottenham are dreadful and only getting worse after two fatal errors
Predicted line-ups
17:48 , Chris WilsonAtletico XI: Oblak, Llorente, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri, Simeone, Koke, Cardoso, Gonzalez, Sorloth, Alvarez
Tottenham XI: Vicario, Danso, Romero, Van de Ven, Porro, Palhinha, Sarr, Gray, Simons, Tel, Solanke
Team news
17:42 , Chris WilsonSimeone may be without January signing Rodrigo Mendoza, who picked up an ankle issue in their previous game against Real Sociedad, but other than that Atletico are expected to field a full-strength side.
Team news
17:37 , Chris WilsonThe positive news for Tottenham is they may be bolstered by some returns from injury: Djed Spence may be fit to feature after a calf injury, and Radu Dragusin, who missed the previous game with a knock, will be assessed, although the game may come too soon for Destiny Udogie.
Micky van de Ven - who was sent off against Crystal Palace midweek, precipitating a complete Spurs collapse - will be available, and Cristian Romero is another to have served a suspension domestically and is eligible to play.
Atletico v Tottenham live
17:32 , Chris WilsonTottenham Hotspur will bid to arrest their remarkable collapse in form with a trip to Atletico in the Champions League.
Igor Tudor’s side may be facing the ignominy of a relegation battle but so far they have performed significantly better than expected in Europe, as they did last season under Ange Postecoglou, winning the Europa League even as they finished 17th domestically.
Now in the Champions League, they finished fourth in the league phase to progress automatically to the last 16, and now take on Diego Simeone’s Atletico in the first leg of their last-16 tie.
After a run of five straight defeats in all tournaments and 11 top-flight games without a win, Tottenham will be desperate to turn things around.
And while leaky Atletico may not be the toughest of opponents, having conceded five goals in their last two games, they are at least capable of playing at home, with four straight wins on the board.
Good evening
17:28 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Champions League game between Atletico Madrid and Tottenham.
Spurs travel to Madrid for the first leg of their last-16 tie against the Spanish side, with Igor Tudor and co. looking to book an unlikely place in the quarter-finals.
And we’ll have all the latest team news, build-up and updates right here.
