Igor Tudor’s bold decision to bench Guglielmo Vicario in favour of Antonin Kinsky proved disastrous within minutes as Tottenham fell behind early against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
The interim manager’s gamble spectacularly misfired when Kinsky, making his European debut for Spurs, gifted the Spanish side an opening goal after just six minutes.
Marcos Llorente capitalised on the young goalkeeper’s calamitous error, finding the back of the net with a composed finish into the left corner.
Tudor had opted to make the change following Tottenham’s disappointing defeat to Crystal Palace at the weekend, but his selection immediately came under scrutiny as the north London club’s struggles continued.
Antonin Kinsky made two shocking errors after 15 minutes against Atletico Madrid as Spurs went 3-0 down
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GETTY
The error unfolded in calamitous fashion for the Czech goalkeeper, who lost his footing whilst attempting to play the ball out from the back.
His fumbled pass left him stranded as Ademola Lookman pounced on the loose ball with predatory instinct.
The Nigerian forward swiftly fed Julian Alvarez, who in turn picked out Llorente in a dangerous position.
The Spanish midfielder required no second invitation, slotting the ball home with minimal fuss to send the home supporters into raptures.
For Kinsky, it represented the worst possible start to his Champions League career with Tottenham.
A nightmare moment for Kinsky on his debut as his mistake leads to Llorente’s opener for Atlético Madrid ⚽️@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/SsHpJxYNIz
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 10, 2026
But it got worst for the goalkeeper, who was handed a backpass in the 15th minute and completely messed up his kick.
He missed the ball, allowing Julian Alvaraz to net into an empty goal – which saw him immediately subbed off for Vicario.
In between, Antoine Griezmann had already scored Atletico’s second – meaning Tottenham found themselves 3-0 down after 15 minutes.
Antoine Griezmann pounces on a slip in the Spurs backline to double the lead for Atlético Madrid 🔥@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/5qPzzvA3W0
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 10, 2026
The manner of the goals will raise serious questions about Tudor’s judgement in making such a significant change for a crucial European fixture.
Tudor had spoken to TNT Sports before kick-off about his controversial selection, stating: “I choose today what I think is best for the team in this moment. Today this is the first XI. There is also the second game, there is space for everyone.”
Antonin Kinsky was subbed off after 15 minutes in unbelievable scenes
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REUTERS
The Croatian had expressed optimism about his side’s prospects, noting that several players had returned to availability and that he harboured positive feelings about changing Tottenham’s fortunes.
Yet the early setback merely extended Spurs’ miserable run under their interim boss, who took charge following Thomas Frank’s departure last month.
Tudor remains without a victory since assuming the role on a temporary basis until the season’s conclusion.
