Five things we learned from Tottenham’s 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Champions League

Spurs now head to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium looking to overcome a three-goal deficit following their 5-2 loss against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie.

Let us take a look at five things we learned from Atletico Madrid 5-2 Tottenham.

Tudor may have ruined Kinsky’s Tottenham career

It was far from an ideal return to the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium for Tottenham following the Champions League final defeat back in 2019.

It was an embarrassing outing for Spurs and, most importantly, one to forget for young shot-stopper Antonin Kinsky.

The Czech international had a nightmare start in front of a packed home crowd. First, it was his slip that led directly to Atletico Madrid’s first, before a ricocheted attempted pass led directly to Atletico Madrid’s third. That naturally led to the end of his evening as he was substituted after just 16 minutes.

For Igor Tudor to throw the youngster, who had managed just two starts all season, straight into the thick of a big European game for a Spurs side devoid of confidence was a big decision – and one that immediately blew up in his face.

For Kinsky, it could well spell the end of his Tottenham career, especially when transfer reports continually link Spurs with moves for a new goalkeeper.

Tudor could be replaced. Redknapp? Hoddle? Sherwood? Mason?

Well, the Tudor experiment could very much be coming to a rather swift end, as the Croatian has shown in four games that he is not capable of steadying this sinking ship.

He has come in with the tough-guy approach, and that has clearly not worked for Tottenham thus far.

Four games, four losses and an incredible fifteen goals conceded surely must spell the end for him.

The media have since begun to pile on the pressure, and it is only going to get worse after this defeat, especially with a game against Liverpool up next – a big clash for Spurs as they fight relegation.

But who’s next for Tottenham? Harry Redknapp has stated he will be open to a return, Glenn Hoddle, who Richard Keys has tipped for the Tottenham job, Tim Sherwood, who has constantly stated he is ready to take the Spurs interim role, or Ryan Mason at West Brom.

It is Tottenham’s pick, and they must not leave it late.

Spurs look to be on the edge of a Champions League exit

As the first leg of this Champions League tie progressed, the gulf in quality between the two sides became rather evident.

It was clear that Spurs simply do not belong here at this moment, and they could well be heading out of the competition by next week.

Of course, a three-goal deficit is not impossible to overcome, but given the struggles of Tottenham this season, you will put your money on them getting beaten once more at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Should Spurs go out, there will be no chance for back-to-back European titles, but on the bright side, they will only have relegation to worry about, which could bode well for an injury-hit squad.

Why is Kolo Muani starting games?

Spurs are stretched in other areas of the pitch, but thus far, they have a plethora of options to pick from up front.

Dominic Solanke, Mathys Tel, Richarlison and Randal Kolo Muani are the options available to Tudor, who prefers to go with two forwards.

However, somehow, the Croat just seems to end up playing one of the worst of his forwards.

Solanke and Richarlison have consistently shown that they have a lot more to offer at the top of the pitch, but somehow, Tudor appears oblivious to that.

It is just baffling how the Frenchman continues to get the nod ahead of one of Richarlison or Solanke, who definitely know how to find the back of the net, with both forwards having managed more goals than Muani.

Romero and Palhinha clash of heads could leave Tottenham short

Spurs’ misery might well continue on the injury front as both of their players clashed heads late in the game in a sickening fashion.

Cristian Romero and Joao Palhinha both went up for the same header at the death, and both felt the after-effects of the clash. Palhinha was subbed off after receiving treatment, while Romero attempted to play on and went down holding his head moments after play restarted.

Given concussion protocols, Tottenham will be biting their nails that it is nothing too serious, as they could well lose both players for a couple of games.

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