Tottenham crash out of Champions League as pressure piles on Igor Tudor despite first win
Tottenham ended their lengthy winless streak with a spirited 3-2 triumph over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg on Wednesday evening, though the victory proved insufficient to prevent elimination from the competition.
The north London club had not tasted success since January, making this result a welcome return to winning ways at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Despite claiming the second leg, Igor Tudor’s side bowed out 7-5 on aggregate following the chaotic first encounter in the Spanish capital the previous week.
Atlético Madrid will now advance to the quarter-finals, where they face Barcelona.
The deficit from Madrid simply proved too substantial for Spurs to overcome, though they demonstrated considerably more fight, determination and quality than in recent outings.
Randal Kolo Muani broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, rising unmarked near the six-yard box to power a header into the bottom-left corner from Mathys Tel’s delivery from the right flank.
The French international’s emphatic finish sent the home supporters into raptures.
Atlético Madrid responded swiftly after the interval when Julio Alvarez struck in the 48th minute, latching onto Ademola Lookman’s pass before swivelling and unleashing a powerful effort into the top-left corner.
Tottenham ended their lengthy winless streak with a spirited 3-2 triumph over Atlético Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg
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The Argentine’s goal came after a contentious moment, with Tudor receiving a yellow card for protesting what he believed was a foul on Simons in the build-up.
Xavi Simons put Spurs back ahead shortly after half-time with an exquisite strike, combining with Archie Grey through a series of quick passes before firing low into the bottom-right corner from the edge of the area.
The Dutch midfielder completed his brace from the penalty spot in the 90th minute after Gimenez brought him down inside the box with a clumsy challenge.
Simons hammered the spot-kick off the left post and into the net.
The north London club had not tasted success since January
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But it was too little, too late as Hancko had extinguished any lingering Spurs hopes in the 74th minute, stealing ahead of his marker at the near post to head home from a set piece.
Diego Simeone clenched his fists in celebration as the goal confirmed his side’s passage to the last eight.
The Spanish outfit will now prepare for their quarter-final meeting with Liverpool.
Tudor’s men displayed the character and desire that has been largely absent during their difficult Premier League campaign.
The deficit from Madrid simply proved too substantial for Spurs to overcome
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The performance offered genuine encouragement ahead of Sunday’s crucial league fixture against Nottingham Forest.
Mathys Tel proved particularly impressive throughout, causing problems with his tireless running and direct approach down the flanks.
The home faithful warmly applauded several of their best performers when substitutions were made in the closing stages.
It appeared the manager was opting to preserve energy for the weekend’s important domestic encounter.
