"There has been the feeling at too many points of this traumatic season for Tottenham that they only play when the result is beyond them. This Champions League last-16 tie looked that way when Atletico Madrid went 4-0 up after 22 minutes of the first leg last Tuesday and nobody gave Spurs a prayer of overturning the final scoreline from the Metropolitano of 5-2."
"Spurs had massive chances for a two-goal lead on the night. Mathys Tel at 1-0 towards the end of the first half; Pedro Porro at 2-1 on the hour. There was another in stoppage time for Randal Kolo Muani at 3-2. It was surely too late by then. All of them went begging."
"Tudor had said before the first leg that Premier League survival was the priority; he repeated himself on the eve of this game and it said plenty that he left Dominic Solanke out the squad entirely. The striker had a small hip problem and ought to be fine to face Forest. Only at Spurs would a star player be wrapped in cotton wool for a Champions League knockout in order to be fit for Forest."
Tottenham faced Atletico Madrid in a Champions League last-16 second leg after losing 5-2 in the first leg. Despite creating significant chances throughout the match, including opportunities for Mathys Tel, Pedro Porro, and Randal Kolo Muani, Spurs could not overcome the deficit. Kolo Muani and Xavi Simons scored for Tottenham, with Simons adding a penalty, but Atletico's Julian Alvarez and David Hancko ensured the Spanish side advanced. Manager Igor Tudor prioritized Premier League survival over European competition, notably resting striker Dominic Solanke for the upcoming match against Nottingham Forest, reflecting the club's focus on maintaining top-division status.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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