Tottenham Hotspur vs Atlético Madrid

Tottenham Hotspur will host Atlético Madrid in a decisive UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following a 5-2 loss to the Spanish side last week. Meanwhile, for Tottenham Hotspur, matches against Spanish opposition have often proved challenging. Spurs have lost all four of their previous UEFA two-legged ties against teams from Spain. In overall UEFA meetings with Spanish clubs, the London side have managed only three wins in their last 16 matches, alongside five draws and eight defeats. Despite that history, Tottenham can draw confidence from their exceptional home form in Europe. The London club are currently unbeaten in their last 24 UEFA matches played at home, recording 20 wins and four draws during that run. Even more impressively, Spurs have won all four of their European home matches this season without conceding a single goal. There is also some precedent for Tottenham recovering from a difficult first leg. Spurs have won 11 of their 21 UEFA two-legged ties after losing the opening match away from home. However, the scale of the challenge increases significantly with the London-based side in need of a four-goal margin of victory to go through to the next round. Nevertheless, Igor Tudor will look to his side for a miracle. A 4—3—3 formation with Randal Kolo-Muani, Tel and Dominic Solanke in attack is expected against ATL Madrid. Richarlison is suspended for this fixture.

Historically, Atlético Madrid have enjoyed considerable success against English opposition in UEFA knockout ties. The Spanish side have won ten of their 14 two-legged ties against clubs from England. However, their recent record has been slightly less dominant, with Atlético losing two of their last three such ties. At this stage of the Champions League, Atlético Madrid have generally been more experienced. The Spanish club have won seven of their 11 round-of-16 ties in the competition. Tottenham, by contrast, have progressed from just two of their five previous appearances at this stage. Atlético Madrid will rely heavily on their typical defensive discipline and efficiency in front of goal. The Spanish side have opened the scoring in seven of their last eight Champions League matches, highlighting their ability to seize early control of games in the competition. One of Atlético’s most dangerous attacking players is Julián Álvarez, who has been in excellent form in Europe. The Argentine forward has scored 13 goals in his last 16 Champions League appearances, making him a key threat to Tottenham’s defence. He is expected to team up with Antoine Griezmann at the attacking end of a 4—4—2 formation.