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Spurs are facing the unthinkable less than seven years on from one of the biggest nights in the club’s history

Reprieve: Igor Tudor

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Sam Tabuteau

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Tottenham return to the scene of their 2019 Champions League final defeat to Liverpool as a club in turmoil.

Tonight they take on Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano. It was at the same stadium nearly seven years ago that - despite falling to goals from Mohammed Salah and Divock Origi - Spurs were supposed to embark on a new chapter of success in the club’s history.

Yet, the failure to build on that night in Madrid has hung over Spurs. They now find themselves staring at relegation to the Championship.

Spurs arrive in Madrid fresh, after a rare weekend off, but somewhat distracted. With just one point separating them from the relegation zone, tonight’s game against Atletico feels like something of an aside, and interim manager Igor Tudor has admitted that Premier League survival remains the priority.

Tottenham lost the 2019 Champions League final

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“Our first aim is the Premier League. This is something extra, but that doesn't mean that we don't want to pass to the next round,” Tudor said in his pre-match press conference on Monday evening.

Tudor, though, will be hoping to find that, like his predecessor, Thomas Frank, the Champions League can be a welcome distraction for his squad.

While one eye is on Sunday’s trip to Liverpool - with Spurs potentially finding themselves in the relegation zone by the time they kick off at Anfield - a performance in the Spanish capital could flick the switch for Tudor’s men after suffering their fifth successive defeat against Crystal Palace last week.

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He continued: “We have to grow. So, it can be an opportunity. A totally different mentality can be used in this kind of game. So maybe this can help us to see which problems we have. I believe that these kinds of games can help us to switch in the right way, but always focus on us, to grow as a team, to do things better.”

Spurs have played their best football this season in Europe, and with Tudor still searching for his first win as interim manager, he needs his side to find form now more than ever.

Tudor made a dramatic call to arms in the wake of last week’s 3-1 defeat to Palace, stating that he only wanted to work with players who were up for the fight.

The Croat was seemingly aiming a dig at some of those in the squad he feels are hiding from the gravity of the club’s situation. Being able to call upon captain Cristian Romero for the first time since taking charge three weeks ago, he will hope to see a change in mentality as Spurs look to change “old habits” and come away unscathed ahead of next week’s second leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Captain Cristian Romero is back in the fold

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Tudor believes “something is moving” and he is in no doubt that Romero, who he says has been taking part in separate running sessions to maintain his fitness after more than a month out through suspension, can be the leader that Spurs’ fractured dressing room needs.

“He missed a lot. He was also not feeling good, to not be able to help the team. Now he's back. He was working these two, three weeks a lot,” Tudor said of Romero.

Plenty has been made of Romero’s behaviour this season, with the 27-year-old serving two separate suspensions as well as coming under fire for his social media outbursts criticising Spurs’ board.

His return, though, is massive for Spurs, who are looking for players not to rock the boat after a stormy last few months. With Romero linked to Atletico in the past, and rumours of a move away this summer not disappearing, there will be eyes on his performance from across the Metropolitano tonight.

Conor Gallagher, on his return to the club, is another player Tudor will surely look to instil some bite to Spurs’ midfield as they attempt to irritate one of Europe’s great disruptors in Diego Simeone’s dogmatic Atletico team.

Affectionately referred to as “the pitbull” during his time at Atletico, Simeone praised Gallagher as “very humble” yet “very dangerous” in his pre-match comments, and there is a tenacity and a willingness - after he was dropped to the bench against Palace - to make an impact against his former club.

There may be bigger things at stake for Spurs at the moment, but in the Champions League, they have found some rhythm, and for a team as devoid of confidence as they are, tonight’s game will surely be a reprieve. A chance to prove they still belong at Europe’s top table.

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Pedro Porro said his angry reaction to being substituted against Crystal Palace was not aimed at interim manager Igor Tudor, adding that Tottenham are on the right path under the Croatian.

Porro appeared to berate fourth official Ruebyn Ricardo as he walked off the pitch against Palace before smacking a seat as he made his way to the substitutes' bench.

On a difficult evening, as Spurs slumped to their fifth successive defeat, Tudor then appeared to question some of his players’ commitment in his post-match press conference, raising fears that he had lost the dressing room.

Porro backed Tudor ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League round of 16 first leg tie, though, admitting his emotions got the better of him on a heated evening in N17.

“It was my own reaction, and I just want to make it clear it was not about the manager. I am a player who gives it all on the pitch, 200 per cent, and we never like losing. It is just about that,” Porro said.

“So, just to end all the speculation that it was about the manager. It is a situation, we have never seen ourselves in this situation and it was just my reaction.”

Tudor has faced a tricky start to life at Spurs and is already under pressure, having lost his first three games in charge.

However, despite the club’s struggles, Porro, who has just returned from a hamstring injury, says the team are heading in the right direction, and all the players are fully behind Tudor as he searches for his first win at the helm.

“Well, since I found out he was coming to the club, I knew he was going to be a manager that would help us a lot. All of the players know that we need to be on the right path with him,” Porro continued.

“Again, he is only in for three weeks and he just needs to learn everything about us and the other way around, but we’re on the right path.”

Pedro Porro has admitted that Tottenham could field a starting XI of injured names “stronger” than the club’s current crop of available players.

Spurs are in the midst of an injury crisis and a relegation battle at the same time this term, and they sank to a new low after the 3-1 home defeat by Crystal Palace last Thursday.

The result left them just one point above the dreaded drop zone, with West Ham and Nottingham Forest breathing down their necks.

Interim head coach Igor Tudor has lost all three games of his reign so far since he took over from predecessor Thomas Frank, and he takes his side to Madrid this week to face Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16.

Porro vented his frustrations after he was substituted in the 73rd minute against Palace at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last week, throwing a water bottle, shouting at the fourth official, and slamming into his seat on the bench as he was replaced by Xavi Simons.

Now, the right-back could well have sparked further controversy, pointing at Spurs’ lengthy injury list as a reason for their poor results.

“It’s difficult, because when you’re competing in four competitions under these circumstances… we already had that bad experience last year in the Premier League with so many injured players, and you just can’t compete,” he told Radio Marca.

“We have young players coming on strong, and looking at this season, it’s basically the same. You’re going to play against Arsenal, [Manchester] City, Liverpool, or Chelsea, and you just can’t.”

“We could field a starting XI of injured players that might even be stronger than the 11 that’s currently playing. It’s not out of disrespect to anyone, but that’s basically the reality.

“We have to think and maintain a positive mindset. I’ve told my teammates, it’s difficult to compete like this, but we always have to give 100%, even though things aren’t going well in the Premier League, just like last year.

“We’re going to approach the tie with the same ambition we’ve shown so far in the Champions League.”

Spurs travel to the Wanda Metropolitano on Tuesday for the first leg against Atletico, before they take on Liverpool at Anfield this weekend.

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Oli Gent

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Crisis-club Tottenham turn their attention back to the Champions League when they play Atletico Madrid in the first leg of the last-16 tie on Tuesday.

Spurs are deep in relegation trouble in the Premier League after their 3-1 home defeat to Crystal Palace last Thursday left them just one point above the bottom three.

Still without a top-flight win in 2026, Spurs are sleepwalking towards the Championship as they continue to deal with an injury crisis.

The Champions League has provided Spurs with some respite this season but they are still without several key players as they prepare to face Atletico in Spain.

Here’s all the latest Tottenham injury news and potential return dates...

Djed Spence

Djed Spence missed defeats against Fulham and Crystal Palace with a calf injury.

But Spurs hope the full-back will return for the first leg against Atletico on Wednesday.

Djed Spence has been out with a calf injury

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“Djed is out,” said Igor Tudor before the Palace game. “Not ready. We hope for the Champions League game."

Spurs are due to hold an open training session on Monday morning before flying to Madrid and Tudor will provide an update on Spence’s fitness when he holds his press conference on Monday evening.

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Potential return date: March 10 vs Atletico Madrid (A)

Destiny Udogie

Destiny Udogie has been out since suffering a hamstring injury away at Manchester United on February 7.

Thomas Frank ruled the left-back out for four or five weeks, suggesting he could now be close to a return.

Destiny Udogie has been sidelined for a month

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Asked if there was any update on Udogie before the Palace game last week, Tudor said: “No, not yet.”

That suggests Udogie is unlikely to return against Atletico this week.

Spurs then face Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday in another big game in their battle to avoid relegation.

Potential return date: Mid-March

Lucas Bergvall

Lucas Bergvall is still recovering from ankle surgery.

The midfielder has been out since the end of January and is unlikely to be back until after the March international break.

Lucas Bergvall suffered an ankle injury in January

Action Images via Reuters

There have been reports in Sweden that Bergvall could be back for their World Cup play-off against Ukraine at the end of March.

But there has been no update on his comeback from Spurs.

Potential return date: April

Mohammed Kudus

Mohammed Kudus will not return until after the March international break.

Kudus has been sideliend since suffering a hamstring injury against Sunderland in January, just days after Spurs sold Brennan Johnson to Crystal Palace.

Losing Kudus has been a major blow for Spurs but they will have him back for the run-in..

Potential return date: April

Dejan Kulusevski

Dejan Kulusevski is seemingly no closer to a return after almost a year out.

Kulusevski has been sidelined since suffering a patella injury before the Europa League final at the end of last season.

While he has shared videos on Instagram of himself in the gym and undergoing his rehab, it is still unclear when he will be ready to make a comeback.

Speaking at the end of last month, Tudor said he was unsure if Kulusevski would play again this season.

"We hope so, in this moment we don't know,” said Tudor: “He's had really big problems. But he's positive. And also the doctors are positive. So we'll see, next week, how it's going.”

Potential return date: Unknown

Rodrigo Bentancur

Rodrigo Bentancur is another player who will not return until after the March international break.

Bentancur has been out since suffering a hamstring at Bournemouth in January and the midfielder underwent surgery.

Potential return date: Mid-April

Wilson Odobert

Wilson Odobert suffered a season-ending ACL injury against Newcastle in February.

Odobert has undergone surgery and will not return until next season.

Potential return date: Late 2026

Ben Davies

Ben Davies looks to have played his last game for Spurs after suffering a broken ankle against West Ham in January.

The left-sided defender is out of contract at the end of the season and is in a battle to be fit for the World Cup if Wales get through the play-offs..

Potential return date: Unknown

James Maddison

Potential return date: Summer 2026

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Captain on night was given his marching orders as relegation fears deepened

Sent off: Micky van de Ven

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Sam Tabuteau

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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Spurs looked to be on their way to a vital three points after Dominic Solanke gave the hosts the lead in the 34th minute, firing home from Archie Gray’s cross from the byline.

Sarr dispatched the resultant penalty before Jorgen Strand Larsen fired low past Guglielmo Vicario, with Sarr nicking ahead of the Italian goalkeeper to score Palace’s third as Spurs capitulated in a remarkable first-half, with the second 45 little more than an exhibition.

Sam Tabuteau rated the Spurs players at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium...

Guglielmo Vicario 5: Should have been quicker off his line as Sarr broke free to score Palace’s third goal. Little he could do about the other goals.

Pedro Porro 5: Was visibly annoyed at Vicario for not being quicker to close down Sarr, and his frustrations boiled over when he was subbed off with just over 15 minutes to play.

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Kevin Danso 5: Had to mop up the mess left behind by Van de Ven. Given no support, it is hardly surprising that he committed the most fouls of any player on the pitch.

Micky van de Ven 2: He had to just let Sarr run free into the area. After his dismissal, the game was as good as gone for Spurs. The Dutchman has struggled to step up in Cristian Romero’s absence, and a more natural leader would have had the clarity of mind not to foul Sarr.

Seeing red: Micky van de Ven

AFP via Getty Images

Souza 4: A brutal first Premier League start for the young Brazilian, who was carded early on for a rash foul on Daniel Munoz before being sacrificed after Van de Ven’s dismissal.

Joao Palhinha 5: Completely overrun in the centre of the park, and no surprise. Did not offer anything with the ball, and looked bereft of fight.

Archie Gray 7: Dug out a good cross from the byline to assist Solanke and tried to get things moving forward after the break. A valiant performance as everything crumbled around him. Spurs’ best player by a mile.

Pape Matar Sarr 5: Dispossessed for Palace’s second goal, where Gray tried to dig in and earn back some credibility, Sarr struggled.

Tough day: Souza

Action Images via Reuters

Mathys Tel 6: Looked to be in the mood early on, driving Spurs forward before they took the lead. That all disappeared after Spurs were reduced to 10-men.

Randal Kolo Muani 4: Struggled long before Spurs fell apart and was the first to be taken off as Tudor tried to reshuffle the pack after Van de Ven’s red card. Ineffectual in attack, he was also guilty of giving away possession cheaply in defensive areas.

Dominic Solanke 6: Scored the opening goal and was a threat when found in the area, but after Van de Ven’s dismissal, his efforts to get Spurs playing were purely in vain.

Subs:

Conor Gallagher 5: Came on to salvage a desperate situation, and while he covered plenty of ground, it was all energy and bluster without anything tangible in possession.

Yves Bissouma 6: Tried his best to help Spurs with the ball, and applied himself in the right way out of possession. One of Spurs’ better players.

Richarlison 5: Hailed as the saviour for Spurs’ season, given his experience of relegation battles, but there was nothing even he could do off the bench.

Xavi Simons 4: Tried a short pass from a free-kick that was immediately intercepted. A summation of his cameo and Spurs’ performance.

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Igor Tudor believes now more than ever that Tottenham have what it takes to stay in the Premier League - but he says he needs players who are willing to fight after his ten men slipped to a 3-1 defeat at home to Crystal Palace.

Spurs knew coming into Thursday’s game that they needed a result after the teams around them had picked up points to leave them teetering just above the drop zone.

Yet, despite taking the lead through Dominic Solanke, Spurs capitulated in dramatic fashion, conceding three goals in the space of 12 minutes after Micky van de Ven was sent off for a pull on Ismaila Sarr.

Tudor is now the first Tottenham head coach to lose his first three games in the Premier League era, and there is serious pressure on his job just three weeks after replacing Thomas Frank as interim manager until the end of the season.

Tudor, though, is adamant that his side are on the cusp of turning a corner despite falling to their 14th league defeat of the campaign.

“I will tell you now, maybe it will sound strange, but I believe more after this game than I believed before,” Tudor said.

“I saw something. I need to choose the right guys because the boat is going in the direction that I want to go and needs to go and who[ever] is in the boat can stay. Otherwise they can bow down, or - how do you say that - leave the boat.

“When the other players come back [combined with] choosing the right [players], I’m sure we will have a good team and the victories will comeback. It’s not easy to accept the moment where we are now but it is how it is.”

Many supporters, some of whom directed their anger at the directors’ box, appear resigned to relegation now and Tudor says he understands their frustrations.

“It’s a normal thing that happens in football. They are disappointed. They wanted more. We are aware of that. We also wanted to give more. Unfortunately this is the moment that we pay everything. One red card changed everything.”

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Sam Tabuteau

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Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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The threat of relegation has suddenly become very real for Tottenham.

After West Ham beat Fulham and Nottingham Forest earned a point at Manchester City last night, Spurs are now just one point above the bottom three and alarm bells are ringing.

Those results for their rivals have piled pressure on Spurs ahead of their home game against Crystal Palace and a huge night in their battle to stay up.

It is time for the team to step up and another limp display could raise serious questions about Igor Tudor’s future.

Talk of sacking Tudor after potentially just three games may seem premature but time is of the essence for Spurs.

There will have been plenty of soul-searching after Sunday’s timid 2-1 defeat to Fulham, with Tudor suggesting his players need to find their voices.

Tudor has taken a risk by going after his players there are rumours that Guglielmo Vicario and Dominic Solanke could be dropped against Palace, which would be two big calls.

There are rumours that Guglielmo Vicario could be dropped against Crystal Palace

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It is a bold approach that could blow up in Tudor’s face if the result goes badly.

But responsibility appears to be in short supply right now and a leaderless squad is sleepwalking towards relegation as players struggle to take ownership, both in possession and of the situation.

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Such a fraught dressing room atmosphere does not often lend itself well to receiving the sort of criticism Tudor has dished out, and performances suggest his messages are not getting through.

Tudor, though, is not worried about losing the trust of his players and says honesty is the only way to get Spurs out of the situation they are in.

“Always they need honesty,” he said before the Palace game. “One of the skills of a coach is to be honest, in the right way of course, to speak with them. Without honesty, you are dead. It's what I believe.”

Spurs understandably lack confidence after a run of just two wins from their last 19 Premier League games.

Players are not coming to search for the ball, clearances are being hacked into touch rather than shuffled into a team-mate and there is not enough willingness to stretch the play in behind.

These are basics, but also a symptom of a team stretched beyond its limits by injuries.

Spurs are just one point above the relegation zone

AFP via Getty Images

Players lack authority in possession not just because the gravity of the situation is dawning on them, but because they lack clarity about the positions they are meant to fulfil.

Conor Gallagher and Xavi Simons were on the periphery when played out of position against Fulham, but that does not appear to have stopped Tudor looking to tinker in search of solutions.

“We don’t have anyone,” he said when asked to explain his decision to play Gallagher as a winger against Fulham. “We have problems with the players. So sometimes someone needs to adapt a little bit their position to do it.

“When you have this emergency, someone needs to do something, maybe.”

Tudor is bidding to avoid being the first manager in nearly 50 years to take Spurs to the second division.

Their plight is not his fault, far from it, but he is the man with a chance to turn things around and his lack of clarity is feeding into the tetchy atmosphere around the club.

Ten years on from being favourites for the title with eight games to go, Spurs are now in do-or-die territory as they fight to hold on to their Premier League status.

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