TOTTENHAM 3-2 ATLETICO MADRID (5-7 AGG): Randal Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons struck to give Spurs hope but they were twice pegged back at their Spanish opponents before securing a late win on the night
They did at least show some fight and have their first victory under Igor Tudor. But, ultimately, Tottenham crashed out of the Champions League.
At least they battled and showed some pride to secure a late win on the night and get the stadium behind the team but it was not enough.
There were big swathes of empty seats in Tottenham’s magnificent stadium which was surprising as it could easily be their last Champions League game for a while.
The attendance was 49,568 which is more than 10,000 below capacity but that is where the club is right now: frustrated, disaffected and an angry fan base.
The first leg in Madrid was an embarrassment and this was about regaining some pride. And boy, did they do it. They built on the spirit they showed to snatch a draw at Liverpool on Sunday.
Even without the suspended Richarlison and Dominic Solanke through injury, Spurs looked like a team with something to prove.
If the first leg 5-2 drubbing in Madrid was the lowest point, interim boss Tudor finally seems to be picking up Spurs’ lost souls and turning them into something resembling a team again.
That is what the fans want: some courage and fight. Tottenham’s players showed it on the pitch and the supporters in the stadium were as loud as they have been in a while.
In fairness to Tottenham, their European form has been completely out of keeping with their disastrous domestic results. Their last win had come at Eintracht Frankfurt on January 28 and they qualified automatically for the knockout stage.
Mathys Tel had one of his best games in a Spurs shirt - even if there was still elements of frustration about his game.
It was Tel who provided the assist for Randal Kolo Muani but the Spurs forward should have squared the ball at another opening but selfishly went for glory and his shot was saved.
Maybe that is the story of Tottenham’s season. But this time they at least embarked on a new chapter. Finally, they are showing some fight and determination.
Tottenham levelled the tie after 30 minutes. It was Tel who provided a lovely curling cross, Kolo Muani hung in the air and then glanced a header into the bottom corner.
The stadium came alive. Tottenham’s fans and the players believed. Twice Tel was denied by Atletico keeper Juan Russo. Tel missed a chance to play in Kolo Muani again for what would have been a certain goal.
Then, just after half time, Atletico restored their three-goal lead - and the tie looked over again. Julian Alvarez led the break and upended Xavi Simons in the process.
Spurs screamed foul. Ademola Lookman played in Alvarez who was given time and space to tae three touches and then smash into the top corner. Simons was furious. Tudor got booked for his protests but the goal stood.
But in keeping with the mood, Simons did not sulk and responded in the best way just five minutes later. Archie Gray laid the ball off and Simons curled a brilliant low shot into the far corner to bring the stadium alive again.
But Tottenham’s hope and fight was extinguished. And it was Alvarez who was the architect. He swung over a near post corner, David Hancko’s glancing header flew in at the near post to kill the tie as a contest once and for all.
Simons added a second from the penalty spot in the dying minutes, but it is Atletico who progress to face Barcelona in the quarter-finals.