Football Preview | Tottenham Hotspur v Atletico Madrid

Could this be a truly memorable night for Tottenham Hotspur?

They will attempt to engineer a remarkable comeback when they host Atletico Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

Author | Greg S

Stadium | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Spurs were beaten 5-2 in the first leg last week, leaving them with a significant deficit to overturn if they are to reach the quarter-finals.

They did at least halt a six-match losing run across all competitions at the weekend, drawing with Liverpool in the Premier League. Richarlison struck a stoppage-time equaliser at Anfield to secure a point for a side still under the interim charge of Igor Tudor.

Pressure had mounted on Tudor following the heavy first-leg defeat to Atletico, with calls for a change in the dugout growing louder. Tottenham, however, opted to persist with the Croatian, and their display against Liverpool suggested a degree of renewed resolve.

Liverpool 1 - 1 Tottenham Hotspur Former Everton forward Richarlison struck in stoppage time to earn Spurs a deserved draw at Liverpool. superlocalnews.blogspot.com/2026/03/suss...

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Tottenham boss Igor Tudor spoke to the media before the match

Here were the key lines from his news conference:

Speaking about some of the injury problems, Tudor confirmed Joao Palhinha's injury "was worse" and won't be available, but captain Cristian Romero "can play".

It was also said that Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall "will be on the bench but not part of the game too much as they have just come back to us", while an assessment will be made on Conor Gallagher after the midfielder missed the first leg. Tudor added: "We see today what we can do. He has asthma problems, maybe some virus, it is not a nice thing. We will see tomorrow if he is fit for the bench."

When asked if the aim is to reach the next round, or just to build confidence in the relegation battle, Tudor replied "Both things. It is a game which we should play to pass. Our first thing is to stay in the league, but tomorrow is a big challenge to show we can do good things and show that they are not better than us."

On Atletico Madrid's form, following recent heavy defeats by Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano, the Spurs boss added: "It is difficult but not impossible. We need to stay in the game and focus on our strengths. Everything is still to play for; believing we can do it is the important thing from the start."

Tudor was asked whether a weight had been lifted by winning his first point in charge at Liverpool on Sunday: "Of course, it is important when you give a good performance to confirm the goodwill, and to start to change things. The players really care, they want to do well. It is not easy to start to move things, but this is one good game. If you are honest on the pitch, football will give you it back. Now we need to continue in this direction."

When asked if Tottenham will stay in the Premier League, Tudor said he is "very confident" of survival.