Tottenham exited the Champions League but secured their first win under Igor Tudor with a spirited performance in a 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid.
The visitors had an early goal ruled out but it was Spurs who were the superior side in the first half, and they were repaid for their early efforts when Randal Kolo Muani headed in from Mathys Tel’s cross.
Spurs were in the ascendancy after gaining the lead on the night, with Tel going close moments later as they headed into the break with renewed hope. However, it didn’t take long for Atleti to hit back, Julian Alvarez producing a brilliant finish to restore his side’s three-goal advantage.
It briefly looked like that goal might settle the tie but Xavi Simons gave Spurs renewed belief just minutes later, the Dutchman curling in a superb strike to give his side hope.
However, the hosts couldn’t capitalise when on top, with Atletico doing everything to break up play and prevent the hosts getting into a rhythm, and they soon landed the deciding blow as David Hancko glanced in from a corner to settle the tie.
It leaves Spurs rueing the remarkable 5-2 loss in the first leg last week, though attention has to quickly turn to the weekend, when they face Nottingham Forest in a potential relegation six-pointer.
Follow all the reaction from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium below:
Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid LIVE
- Tottenham exit Champions League despite 3-2 win over Atletico
- 90' GOAL! Simons scores from the spot [TOT 3-2 ATM, 5-7 agg.]
- 75' GOAL! Hancko header extinguishes Spurs hope [TOT 2-2 ATM, 4-7 agg.]
- 52' GOAL! Superb Simons effort gives hosts belief [TOT 2-1 ATM, 4-6 agg.]
- 48' GOAL! Visitors regain advantage with Alvarez strike [TOT 1-1 ATM, 3-6 agg.]
- 30' GOAL! Kolo Muani heads in to give hosts hope [TOT 1-0 ATM, 3-5 agg.]
How Igor Tudor’s reign of error turned huge corner as Tottenham remembered how to win
Wednesday 18 March 2026 23:06 , Will Castle at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumFour days after emerging from pointlessness, Igor Tudor is now no longer winless. His interim reign of error at Tottenham is finally finding its purpose, eight days on from the Croatian appearing a complete and utter lost cause.
Spurs are out of the Champions League but akin to fellow relegation candidates Nottingham Forest, there is the fair argument that Europe could be a very unwanted distraction from survival. With Spurs fans in full voice, still in their seats at the full-time whistle, victory on the night feels far more important than defeat in tie.
Even without the milestone win, there was a sense of hope and pride that was attached to the atmosphere during the contest’s closing stages. “Oh When The Spurs” belting out from stand to stand, you wouldn’t have thought this was a team three goals down and on the verge of being dumped out of Europe. Purely from a performance perspective, a corner had been turned.
Spurs have found their fight and European exit might be just what Tudor needs
Champions League quarter-finals confirmed as Liverpool face PSG in huge clash
07:00 , Chris WilsonLiverpool will face Paris Saint-Germain in a blockbuster last-eight tie after the Champions League quarter-finals were confirmed following the conclusion of an eventful round of 16.
Arsenal ensured the unprecedented six English sides competing in this stage would not suffer a humiliating wipeout as they breezed past Bayer Leverkusen in their must-win second leg at the Emirates on Tuesday.
Stunning strikes from Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice proved the difference with Arsenal running out 3-1 winners on aggregate, setting up a tie with Sporting CP who recovered a three-goal first-leg deficit to win 5-0 on the night against Bodo/Glimt, ending the Norwegian side’s fairytale run.
Champions League quarter-finals confirmed as Liverpool face PSG in huge clash
Igor Tudor explains why Tottenham take ‘confidence’ into relegation showdown with Nottingham Forest
06:00 , Chris WilsonInterim Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor insists his players now have “a lot of confidence” ahead of their match against Nottingham Forest after the spirited Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
Spurs fought to a 3-2 win in the second leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday night thanks to a brace from Xavi Simons and an early header from Randal Kolo Muani, and while the result was only enough for a 7-5 aggregate loss, it did seal their first win under their interim boss.
Tudor’s side will not qualify for European competition but this is the sort of result that can spur them on for the rest of the season, with the Lilywhites having secured their first Premier League points under the Croatian with last week’s draw to Liverpool.
Tudor says Spurs players have ‘confidence’ ahead of relegation showdown with Forest
Is the Premier League at risk of losing fifth Champions League place after damaging last-16 results?
05:00 , Chris WilsonThe Premier League could boast seven clubs in next season’s Champions League if all the right pieces fall into place – but there is now a real danger of having only four spots after a string of poor results.
Last term saw an unprecedented six English clubs qualify for Europe’s premier competition; five by their league position, while Tottenham earned their place in the league phase after winning the Europa League.
Yet that inflated contingent could grow even more this year, with the Premier League appearing as one of the more prominent beneficiaries to the competition’s expansion to 36 teams that came into effect at the beginning of 2024/25.
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Is the Premier League at risk of losing fifth Champions League place after exits?
Premier League sides struggle
03:00 , Chris WilsonNot a great week or so for English sides in Europe...
Arsenal and Liverpool are the only Premier League sides in the Champions League quarter-finals 👀 pic.twitter.com/W0dCwmsVwe
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 18, 2026
The Liverpool frenzy that may have altered their Champions League fate – as revenge mission against PSG awaits
02:00 , Chris WilsonThere may not be too many ways in which this season is better than last for Liverpool but Arne Slot can at least point to a significant one. Liverpool have gone further in the Champions League, and this was progress in more ways than one.
A quarter-final was booked in emphatic and entertaining fashion. The boos that greeted the final whistle against Tottenham on Sunday were replaced by cheers, the lethargy with which Liverpool have played too often giving way to an energy and intensity. This was frenzied and fast, players and crowd feeding off each other. For Slot, it was a response when the scrutiny upon him had heightened. The Dutchman switched tactics, to something of a 4-4-2, and the team changed tack. This was much better. This was one of his finest Anfield nights of the campaign.
The Liverpool frenzy that may have altered their Champions League fate – as PSG await
Barcelona blow away Newcastle in brutal end to Champions League dream
01:00 , Chris WilsonRobert Lewandowski and Raphinha killed off Newcastle's Champions League dream as Barcelona survived a first-half fright to book a quarter-final place in style.
The 37-year-old Poland international hit the Magpies with a quick-fire double before the Brazilian struck to seal a 7-2 win on the night - a 13th on the trot since their return to the Nou Camp - and an 8-3 aggregate victory on a night when Eddie Howe's side imploded.
Anthony Elanga's first-half brace had cancelled out Raphinha's early opener and Marc Bernal's free-header, but Lamine Yamal's stoppage-time penalty opened the floodgates with Fermin Lopez, Lewandowski and Raphinha again doing the damage.
Barcelona blow away Newcastle in brutal end to Champions League dream
WATCH: Highlights as Spurs beat Atleti
00:00 , Chris WilsonHere are all the highlights as Spurs got their first win under Igor Tudor.
It all started with a great header from Kolo Muani...
A great start for Spurs as Kolo Muani opens the scoring 🔥@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/aqBB7SOLTT
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 18, 2026
...before a superb equaliser from Julian Alvarez.
Álvarez smashes it into the top corner for Atlético Madrid to extend their aggregate lead 🚀@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/fLnVn1mgDb
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 18, 2026
Xavi Simons regained the lead for the hosts with his own brilliant strike...
Xavi Simons finds the back of the net with a stunning strike 🎯@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/9cUtYJ7x5C
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 18, 2026
...but the tie was settled by David Hancko late on...
Hancko with a brilliant header to level it on the night for Atlético Madrid 💪@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/YHnE0KdlDu
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 18, 2026
...even if there was time for Simons to win the game late on with a penalty!
Xavi Simons converts from the spot to put Tottenham Hotspur back in the lead on the night ⚡️@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/4vl2RHGCch
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 18, 2026
Champions League quarter-finals confirmed as Liverpool face PSG in huge clash
Wednesday 18 March 2026 23:30 , Chris WilsonLiverpool will face Paris Saint-Germain in a blockbuster last-eight tie after the Champions League quarter-finals were confirmed following the conclusion of an eventful round of 16.
Arsenal ensured the unprecedented six English sides competing in this stage would not suffer a humiliating wipeout as they breezed past Bayer Leverkusen in their must-win second leg at the Emirates on Tuesday.
Stunning strikes from Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice proved the difference with Arsenal running out 3-1 winners on aggregate, setting up a tie with Sporting CP who recovered a three-goal first-leg deficit to win 5-0 on the night against Bodo/Glimt, ending the Norwegian side’s fairytale run.
Champions League quarter-finals confirmed as Liverpool face PSG in huge clash
Igor Tudor explains why Tottenham take ‘confidence’ into relegation showdown with Nottingham Forest
Wednesday 18 March 2026 23:15 , Chris WilsonInterim Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor insists his players now have “a lot of confidence” ahead of their match against Nottingham Forest after the spirited Champions League win over Atletico Madrid.
Spurs fought to a 3-2 win in the second leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday night thanks to a brace from Xavi Simons and an early header from Randal Kolo Muani, and while the result was only enough for a 7-5 aggregate loss, it did seal their first win under their interim boss.
Tudor’s side will not qualify for European competition but this is the sort of result that can spur them on for the rest of the season, with the Lilywhites having secured their first Premier League points under the Croatian with last week’s draw to Liverpool.
Tudor says Spurs players have ‘confidence’ ahead of relegation showdown with Forest
Champions League quarter-finals
Wednesday 18 March 2026 23:00 , Chris WilsonAnd here’s the full list of fixtures for the quarter-finals:
Liverpool vs PSG
Arsenal vs Sporting CP
Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich
Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid
Champions League result
Wednesday 18 March 2026 22:50 , Chris WilsonHere’s the list of this evening’s results then:
Barcelona 7-2 Newcastle (8-3 agg.)
Liverpool 4-0 Galatasaray (4-1 agg.)
Bayern Munich 4-1 Atalanta (10-2 agg.)
Tottenham 3-2 Atletico Madrid (5-7 agg.)
Tudor: 'There is a lot of confidence'
Wednesday 18 March 2026 22:43 , Chris Wilson"The sensations are mixed because you don’t like to not pass [into the next round] but it was a very good performance after quite a long period," said Spurs boss Igor Tudor after full-time.
“Beautiful sensation on the pitch with the fans who were really there with the squad. And the team was good from the first moment, they recognised this will to do what they can do. So good sensation after the game even though we didn’t qualify. And congratulations to the players.
“All sensations are positive in every way. This commitment behind, there was quality in front, a lot of running, a lot of good things. There is a decision of the referee for the foul on Xavi [Simons], who decides the game in the end. But still believing after to score one goal to at least get this victory. So this is the good direction that we take.
On Archie Gray, he adds: "Incredible. Incredible guy playing all positions. In this position, he can be the best. Together with Papp, I like them very much. Xavi was good today. We need to continue this.
And on the fans: "I believe today they were proud of the team, even if we are out. So we hope this can continue on Sunday, we need them for the game. We need to make this performance continue away."
Finally, on the game against Forest this weekend, he adds: "We need to refresh and choose the right players but there is a lot of confidence after these two games."
More from Vicario
Wednesday 18 March 2026 22:35 , Chris Wilson"I think we fought hard, a lot of duels won, ground duels, aerial duels, second balls. A lot of running from the team, I think the team now is in a better physical place because we have more endurance also during the game, so we keep running until the last second,” adds Vicario.
“Of course then we have the energy of the fans today. They’ve been unbelievable, they’ve been incredible to support us until the last second.
“So all these kind of things we need to keep with ourselves and show everything in the next games. It’s crucial at this point of the season, to give everything we have. But today is a positive point to start,” he added.
Vicario: 'We have good energy now'
Wednesday 18 March 2026 22:30 , Chris WilsonThe words of Spurs ‘keeper Guigliemo Vicario after full-time:
“Tonight, it was a game of moments. I think we were close not to go over the edge, I would say, because we had a lot of situations in the first half where we could’ve gone to the break at 2-0. But I think a lot of positives to take from tonight from every aspect.
“We showed what we need to show every game so of course it’s a good build-up into the next games. It gives us a lot of confidence and we are very proud of what we did tonight.
“Of course, we are disappointed because we couldn’t go through. That’s football. But the important thing is that we have good energy now, good freshness for what we showed tonight. So it’s a good point to start,” he added.
Hargreaves: Spurs need to 'take this momentum'
Wednesday 18 March 2026 22:22 , Chris WilsonHere’s what Owen Hargreaves has to say on TNT Sports:
"I think the fans, they could feel it. I think the boys put in a hell of a shift, they worked incredibly hard, they were good in front of goal, there were some brilliant performances individually and I think they’re headed in the right direction."
"After the point at Anfield and the performance today, I think they can be proud and take this momentum. But the only way that starts is with this effort, this intensity. If they play with this intensity, they’ll be fine,” he added.
Ferdinand: Spurs 'can feel proud'
Wednesday 18 March 2026 22:12 , Chris WilsonHere’s what former Spurs striker Le Ferdinand has to say on TNT Sports:
"We knew it was going to be a tall order. The one thing we said before was that they should try and win the game tonight.
"I thought Tottenham, from start to finish, they went out on the front foot. They were never going to be able to keep that pace up for 90 minutes, they dropped off a little bit. But they can feel proud.
"I think the fans will go home realising: ‘Ok, we’ve got a relegation battle to deal with now.’ But if they can perform like they did tonight, then they’ll have no trouble getting out of the position they’re in at the moment,” he added.
FULL-TIME! Tottenham 3-2 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 22:06 , Chris WilsonSo, was that the first sign of a turnaround at Spurs?
It’s a first win under Igor Tudor and it was a spirited performance throughout.
It’s the kind of game that will make fans confident the team will avoid relegation, as they’ve proven they can go toe-to-toe wit Europe’s elite sides.
They simply now need to translate that ability and belief to domestic games, starting with a huge match against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
FULL-TIME! Tottenham 3-2 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 22:03 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Tottenham 3-2 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:54 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the match to an end and it’s the end of a fascinating tie in north London!
Spurs exit the Champions League but was this the night that Igor Tudor began to turn it around?
Tottenham 3-2 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:53 , Chris Wilson90 +3 mins
Brief hope for Spurs as they see a penalty appeal waved away before winning a corner, but it’s eventually cleared and Spence does well to track back and prevent a clean break on the counter.
Tottenham 3-2 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:52 , Chris Wilson90 +2 mins
CLOSE! What a chance and what a block! Spurs create chaos in the area and it rolls to Kolo Muani. He looks certain to score but his effort is blocked in front of Musso!
Tottenham 3-2 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:50 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
Into the first of five minutes of added time. Surely it can’t happen from here...
GOAL! Tottenham 3-2 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:49 , Chris Wilson90 mins
Simons steps up from the spot...
...and cooly slots his penalty, in off the post as he sends Musso the wrong way.
PENALTY! Tottenham 2-2 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:48 , Chris Wilson89 mins
PENALTY!
It’s a stonewall penalty as Gimenez flies through Simons in the box!
Tottenham 2-2 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:46 , Chris Wilson87 mins
Another sub for the visitors as Gimenez comes on for Simeone.
Tottenham 2-2 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:45 , Chris Wilson85 mins
The game has lost all tempo and rhythm now as Atletico edge towards the quarter-finals.
The Spanish side will be facing La Liga opponents in the next round as Barcelona await!
Tottenham 2-2 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:40 , Chris Wilson81 mins
Three changes for Spurs now as Kevin Danso, Conor Gallagher and Callum Olusesi come on for Romero, Tel and Gray.
Bergvall delivers a long throw but the visitors head clear.
'Deja vu from Madrid'
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:37 , Will CastleHere’s Will Castle inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:
“Tottenham have been pegged back again and after such an encouraging display, Spurs are falling into old habits. Djed Spence nearly just gave away a third, right from the restart, after being hounded by Julian Alvarez. Deja vu from eight days ago.”
Tottenham 2-2 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:36 , Chris Wilson77 mins
Atleti almost get in behind the Spurs defence straight after scoring but eventually the space disappears for Alvarez as he tries to curl one in.
GOAL! Tottenham 2-2 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:35 , Chris Wilson75 mins
GOAL! That will be that.
Hancko darts in at the near post and glances in a lovely header past Vicario from the corner.
Tottenham 2-1 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:32 , Chris Wilson72 mins
A yellow card for Udogie as he cuts down his opposite man. Atleti have a free-kick on the wing now.
They work it into the middle and now Romero scythes down Cardoso.
Spurs bring on Lucas Bergvall for Porro.
Tottenham 2-1 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:29 , Chris Wilson69 mins
Better from the visitors as Alvarez beats van de Ven with a clever run and tests Vicario, but Spurs hook it clear.
Tottenham 2-1 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:24 , Chris Wilson66 mins
Sorloth’s first involvement sees him lay a great reverse pass to Ruggeri, but van de Ven is there to slide in with a great challenge.
From the corner, a couple of deflections nearly take it into the path of Griezmann for a tap in, but he had strayed offside.
Spurs make their first change as Dragusin makes way for Destiny Udogie.
Tottenham 2-1 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:22 , Chris Wilson64 mins
First changes of the night as Koke and Alexander Sorloth come on for Lookman and Molina.
Tottenham 2-1 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:21 , Chris Wilson63 mins
Spurs piling on the pressure here as they win a corner. Tel swings it in but Sarr can only head it well wide.
Tottenham 2-1 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:19 , Chris Wilson60 mins
CLOSE! Another great chance but this is a brilliant save!
Simons lays it on a plate for Porro on the right of the box and the full-back produces a lovely effort with the outside of his foot.
It looks like it’s destined for the far corner but Musso was off his line well to close down the angle and he makes a great sprawling save.
Tottenham 2-1 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:17 , Chris Wilson58 mins
A few stoppages after some heavy challenges and some clashes between the two sets of players.
Porro, Lookman and Vicario have all received yellow cards.
Tottenham 2-1 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:14 , Chris Wilson55 mins
Spurs didn’t hold back after conceding and they’ve reaped the rewards of that.
Porro is next to deliver a cross and while it’s headed away, it’s certainly the hosts who are on top here.
Some great defending from Romero at the back post to prevent a goal too.
GOAL! Tottenham 2-1 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:12 , Chris Wilson52 mins
GOAL! Spurs have belief again!
It’s a brilliant finish from Simons, who plays a couple of one-twos with Gray before curling a lovely effort into the far post past Musso, who had been caught slightly off his line.
GOAL! Tottenham 1-1 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:08 , Chris Wilson48 mins
GOAL! That could wrap up the tie for Atletico!
It’s a brilliant finish from Julian Alvarez, as Lookman finds him in the box and the Argentine rifles a superb effort through a sea of bodies and into the corner!
KICK-OFF! Tottenham 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:04 , Chris WilsonBack underway! Can Tottenham do it tonight?
HALF-TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:03 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are back out onto the pitch, so we’ll be getting started again soon.
HALF-TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 21:00 , Chris WilsonA good half for the neutral and Tottenham are definitely still in this tie.
Atletico have threatened at times but Spurs have certainly been the better side, and they could well be two up if not for a mistake from Tel.
Nevertheless, they’ll take plenty of heart from their first-half performance, and we could be on the verge of a superb comeback in north London!
HALF-TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:54 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Tottenham 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:49 , Chris WilsonThe referee brings the first half to an end and the hosts head into the break with plenty of hope after a spirited first-half showing!
Tottenham 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:48 , Chris Wilson45 +2 mins
A corner to defend as the final action for Spurs, as Griezmann’s corner is flicked clear. It comes to nothing.
Tottenham 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:46 , Chris Wilson45 +1 mins
Into the first of two minutes of added time as Tel plays a tame cross straight to Musso.
Tottenham 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:46 , Chris Wilson45 mins
SAVE! What a stop this is from Vicario!
Simeone picks the ball up from the corner and lashes a brilliant volley goalwards.
Romero gets a head to it but it only serves to wrongfoot Vicario, who does so well to adjust and tip it past the post!
Tottenham 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:45 , Chris Wilson44 mins
CLOSE! Not a bad effort from distance as Alvarez sees his shot deflected and it whizzes just past the top of the net!
Tottenham 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:43 , Chris Wilson42 mins
CHANCE! Another opening for Tel as the ball drops kindly for him outside the area. He has no option but to shoot this time, and he does well to test Musso with a powerful effort that the Atletico ‘keeper manages to parry clear.
Tottenham 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:41 , Chris Wilson39 mins
The hosts started to dominate after that goal but Atleti are doing their best to disrupt their rhythm.
Spurs have been dictating the tempo of late but another goa before half-time could be key in launching this comeback while they’re on top.
Tottenham 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:38 , Chris Wilson36 mins
CLOSE! What a chance! Spurs have to score that!
It’s lovely play from the hosts, Gray doing brilliantly in midfield before the ball is passed inside to Simons. He sweeps a lovely first-time pass into the path of Tel, who is clean through on the left.
He has two teammates arriving in the box if he just chooses to square it, but he tries to find the far corner and his effort is straight at Musso!
Tottenham 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:35 , Chris Wilson34 mins
Openings at both ends since the goal, with Lookman having a tame effort saved.
Kolo Muani commits a foul and Griezmann has the chance to swing it in, but the visitors can’t make anything of it as Vicario eventually punches away Llorente’s cross.
'That was all Spurs'
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:32 , Will Castle at the Tottenham Hotspur StadiumHere’s Will Castle inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:
“Inch-perfect cross from Tel and the header to match from Kolo Muani. No real defensive blunders Spurs can thank for that one, that was all them. And the noise has gone up a notch. They couldn’t, could they?”
GOAL! Tottenham 1-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:32 , Chris Wilson30 mins
GOAL! Spurs have hope!
The hosts have the opener as Tel clips in a lovely cross and Kolo Muani rises highest to nod in from close range!
A great header, and the hosts are within two now.
Tottenham 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:29 , Chris Wilson27 mins
Ruggeri is the first player in the book as he concedes a free-kick on the right wing.
Spurs work it around the Atletico half but there are no gaps in the visiting defence at the moment.
Tottenham 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:25 , Chris Wilson24 mins
CHANCE! A first real opening for Spurs as Tel nips in ahead of Le Normand and bests him for pace around the outside. He looks up but opts to shoot rather than cut it back, and Musso parries away the effort at the near post.
Tottenham 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:23 , Chris Wilson22 mins
Not a great delivery from Porro, and Spurs have to settle for the long throw opportunity.
Dragusin launches it in and there’s some pinball in the area, before it’s squared to Tel and he hits a tame effort straight at Musso.
Tottenham 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:21 , Chris Wilson20 mins
Spurs are looking better in possession than the visitors, but it’s the problem of breaching the defence that is the main issue right now.
Atletico are happy to sit back whenever Spurs have the ball and the hosts haven’t managed to click in attack, though they’ll have a chance here as Molina catches Simons.
Free-kick on the wing, around 30 yards out.
Tottenham 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:17 , Chris Wilson17 mins
There are a couple of Spurs corners as the hosts look to get back in it, but on both occasions Musso does well to come off his line and punch clear.
Tottenham 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:15 , Chris Wilson14 mins
Almost trouble for Spurs as Llorente gets through down the right. He cuts back to avoid the challenge but there’s nobody in the box to tap in his cross!
Tottenham 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:12 , Chris Wilson11 mins
A decent ball forward from Gray and Kolo Muani has raced onto the end of it, but he scuffs his attempt at the half-volley. Needs to do better there.
Tottenham 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:10 , Chris Wilson9 mins
Spurs haven’t started badly here but that disallowed goal is a reminder that they’re extremely vulnerable this evening.
Nevertheless the hosts have started with plenty of intent, Tel the latest to take a pop as his effort from outside of the box is deflected safely into the hands of Musso.
DISALLOWED GOAL! Tottenham 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:07 , Chris Wilson6 mins
The ball is in the net but it’s been chalked off! Lookman was on the end of Simeone’s cross at the far post but he’s just strayed off.
Tottenham 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:05 , Chris Wilson4 mins
A dangerous situation for Atleti as a great delivery comes in from the corner, but Musso is fouled as he punches clear.
Tottenham 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:03 , Chris Wilson2 mins
Some early intent from Spurs, with a long throw cleared before the attack breaks down as the hosts are penalised.
KICK-OFF! Tottenham 0-0 Atletico Madrid
Wednesday 18 March 2026 20:01 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium! Surely it can’t be as dramatic as last week...
Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid LIVE
Wednesday 18 March 2026 19:56 , Chris WilsonBoth sides are out of the tunnel in north London, so we should be underway soon.
Result: Barcelona 7-2 Newcastle
Wednesday 18 March 2026 19:52 , Chris WilsonA humbling defeat for Newcastle as they fall to an 8-3 aggregate loss against Barcelona. The Blaugrana will face the winner of tonight’s game between Surs and Atletico.
Here’s a reminder of the other European games this evening:
Liverpool vs Galatasaray (0-1 agg.)
Bayern Munich vs Atalanta (6-1 agg.)
'Atletico fans making the noise'
Wednesday 18 March 2026 19:51 , Will CastleHere’s Will Castle inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:
“Atletico fans are packed out in their corner of the ground are drowning out the Tottenham’s hype music. Still a lot of Spurs seats to be filled, 10 minutes out from kick-off.”
Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid LIVE
Wednesday 18 March 2026 19:48 , Chris Wilson
Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid prediction
Wednesday 18 March 2026 19:45 , Chris WilsonTottenham could well have still been in this tie if not for a series of unfortunate slips early on, and they rallied at the end of the game to just about keep themselves in this one.
However, if there’s one side you don’t want to be chasing a tie against at home, it’s probably Simeone’s Atletico.
Expect plenty of cynical fouls, rolling around the floor and time-wasting from the visitors this evening, but as was the case last week, expect some real quality from some of their midfield and attacking players too.
Prediction: Tottenham 1-2 Atletico Madrid
Match stats
Wednesday 18 March 2026 19:40 , Chris WilsonTottenham have won all four of their Champions League home games this season by an aggregate score of 10-0.
Meanwhile, Atletico have scored 29 goals in their 11 Champions League games this season, which is their most in a single campaign in the competition. However, since the start of 2022/23, they’ve kept just five clean sheets in 37 games in the competition, the lowest ratio of any side to play 30+ games (14 per cent).
Is the Premier League at risk of losing fifth Champions League place after damaging last-16 results?
Wednesday 18 March 2026 19:35 , Chris WilsonThe Premier League could boast seven clubs in next season’s Champions League if all the right pieces fall into place – but there is now a real danger of having only four spots after a string of poor results.
Last term saw an unprecedented six English clubs qualify for Europe’s premier competition; five by their league position, while Tottenham earned their place in the league phase after winning the Europa League.
Yet that inflated contingent could grow even more this year, with the Premier League appearing as one of the more prominent beneficiaries to the competition’s expansion to 36 teams that came into effect at the beginning of 2024/25.
Is the Premier League at risk of losing fifth Champions League place after exits?
Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid LIVE
Wednesday 18 March 2026 19:30 , Chris Wilson
Diego Simeone reveals admiration for Atletico-linked Tottenham captain Cristian Romero
Wednesday 18 March 2026 19:20 , Chris WilsonAtletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has revealed he is a "big fan" of Tottenham captain Cristian Romero ahead of Wednesday's Champions League last-16 second leg in London.
Romero was heavily linked with a transfer to Atletico last summer to join up with fellow Argentinian Simeone, but no move materialised and he subsequently signed a new contract at Spurs until the end of the 2028-29 campaign.
Tottenham's disastrous season along with Romero's own mixed form of two reds cards sandwiched between six goals has meant speculation about his future rumbles on, which led to Simeone being asked about his compatriot in Tuesday's press conference.
Simeone reveals admiration for Atletico-linked Tottenham captain Romero
Match stats
Wednesday 18 March 2026 19:12 , Chris WilsonBefore this season’s round of 16, there have been 51 occasions of a team losing the first leg of a Champions League knockout stage tie by 3+ goals. Only four of those have progressed to the next round, most recently Liverpool against Barcelona in the 2018/19 semi-final (0-3 away, 4-0 home).
English clubs face a Champions League wipeout – but one thing can save them
Wednesday 18 March 2026 19:05 , Chris WilsonThe Manchester City players have already taken in one message from Pep Guardiola, as they attempt what amounts to one of the greatest challenges in Champions League history. Bernardo Silva articulated some of it when he spoke on Monday before their last-16 second leg against Real Madrid.
“With one goal, the atmosphere of the ground will change,” said the Portuguese midfielder.
There is more to that comment than just an appeal to the crowd. The mythos of the Champions League remontada has now become so pronounced – to the point the Spanish name for grand comebacks has become commonplace – that there is a blueprint.
English clubs face a Champions League wipeout – but one thing can save them
Atletico team news
Wednesday 18 March 2026 19:02 , Chris WilsonThe Atleti side has one change from the 5-2 win in last week’s first leg, with Marc Pubill replaced at right-back by Nahuel Molina.
Simeone continues with a 4-4-2, with Marcos Llorente and Johnny Cardoso in midfield and Julian Alvarez leading the line with Antoine Griezmann.
Spurs team news
Wednesday 18 March 2026 18:58 , Chris WilsonIgor Tudor has made five changes to the side that drew 1-1 to Liverpool last week. In defence, Kevin Danso and Souza drop out, with Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven returning and Pedro Porro moving to wing-back.
In attack, Xavi Simons comes in in place of Richarlison, while Randal Kolo Muani leads the line ahead of Dominic Solanke, who is absent from the Spurs squad.
'No consistency to Igor Tudor's selection'
Wednesday 18 March 2026 18:56 , Will CastleHere’s Will Castle inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium:
“Even after their first babystep, there is still no consistency with Igor Tudor's selection. He’s been forced into a change up top with Anfield hero Richarlison suspended, so Randal Kolo Muani returns to the front line, as does Xavi Simons. But in defence, he’s regressed to a three-back, because that worked so well in Madrid.
“That back line doesn’t include Kevin Danso, who impressed on Sunday. Guglielmo Vicario sees his European duties restored after the Antonin Kinsky disaster - no surprise there. But it’s still very difficult to pinpoint what Tudor’s preferred lineup is, six games into his interim reign.”
Line-ups
Wednesday 18 March 2026 18:55 , Chris WilsonAtletico Madrid XI: Musso; Molina, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; G. Simeone, Llorente, Cardoso, Lookman; Alvarez, Griezmann.
Subs: Esquivel, de Luis, Gimenez, Lenglet, Pubill, Diaz, Koke, Alex B., Vargas, Nico, Sorloth, Almada.
Los once elegidos. pic.twitter.com/NipV3mF9ld
— Atlético de Madrid (@Atleti) March 18, 2026
Line-ups
Wednesday 18 March 2026 18:50 , Chris WilsonTottenham XI: Vicario; Dragusin, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro Sarr, Gray, Spence; Tel, Simons; Kolo Muani.
Subs: Kinsky, Austin, Danso, Udogie, Bergvall, Gallagher, Olusesi, Roswell, Kyerematen.
Tonight's Spurs side ✨ pic.twitter.com/mxOfDIz1nb
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 18, 2026
Team news
Wednesday 18 March 2026 18:40 , Chris WilsonThe line-ups will be released in the next five minutes, so here’s a reminder of the early team news for both sides...
Conor Gallagher and Dominic Solanke are both major doubts for Tottenham, who are also without the injured Joao Palhinha and suspended Richarlison. Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie may be fit enough for places on the bench.
Jan Oblak’s muscle strain means Juan Musso is likely to start again in goal for Atletico Madrid. Pablo Barrios and Rodri Mendoza are also unavailable.
Match stats
Wednesday 18 March 2026 18:32 , Chris WilsonTottenham have won just three of their 16 meetings with Spanish sides in all European competition (D5 L8). The first of those was against Atletico, beating them 5-1 in the 1963 Uefa Cup Winners Cup final.
Having lost just one of their first six Champions League away games against English sides (W2 D3), Atletico have now lost five of their last six visits to England (W1). However, all three of their away wins against Premier League teams in the competition have come in the knockout stages (3-1 v Chelsea in 2013/14, 3-2 v Liverpool in 2019/20 and 1-0 v Man Utd in 2021/22).
Story of the first leg: Atletico Madrid 5-2 Tottenham
Wednesday 18 March 2026 18:25 , Chris WilsonIt was a truly remarkable evening in Madrid in last week’s first leg, with Spurs conceding four goals in the opening 22 minutes to effectively end the match as a contest by the midway point of the first half.
It all started with a few slips, Antonin Kinsky and Micky van de Ven going down to gift the hosts their first two goals, before an even more ridiculous slip from Kinsky allowed Julian Alvarez to saunter towards an open goal for the third.
That calamity saw Kinsky subbed after just 17 minutes but it didn’t get any better for the visitors, who were four down after Robin Le Normand headed in just minutes after Guigliemo Vicario had come on.
Surprisingly, it did get a little better for Spurs as the game went on, with Pedro Porro getting one back, and while Dominic Solanke lashed in late on too, a second goal Julian Alvarez meant that Spurs ended the game trailing by three goals ahead of tonight’s second leg.
Micky van de Ven fires back at ‘nonsense’ claim that Tottenham players do not care about potential relegation
Wednesday 18 March 2026 18:15 , Chris WilsonMicky van de Ven has launched a robust defence of his commitment to Tottenham Hotspur, vehemently dismissing reports that players are indifferent to the club’s precarious situation as "nonsense".
Spurs are currently embroiled in a Premier League relegation battle and slipped to a club-record sixth consecutive loss when they were beaten 5-2 by Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie last week.
While a spirited 1-1 draw at Liverpool on Sunday offered a glimmer of hope, Van de Ven, who himself faced criticism following a red card against Crystal Palace earlier this month, was quick to refute claims that some players have "checked out" of the survival fight.
Van de Ven fires back at ‘nonsense’ claim that Spurs stars do not care
Igor Tudor offers injury update as Tottenham eye historic Champions League comeback
Wednesday 18 March 2026 18:05 , Chris WilsonInterim Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor will welcome back Cristian Romero, Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall for the second leg of the Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid this week.
However, Spurs will be without Joao Palhinha for the return leg, while Conor Gallagher may have to settle for a place on the bench after suffering from a virus in the lead up to the draw with Liverpool.
Spurs captain Romero makes a return from the concussion that he suffered in a collision with Palhinha in the 5-2 first-leg loss just under a week ago, though the Portuguese midfielder has not recovered in time for this week’s match.
Igor Tudor offers injury update as Tottenham eye historic Champions League comeback
Tottenham lose their balance, the ball and all remaining dignity in abject defeat to Atletico
Wednesday 18 March 2026 17:56 , Richard JollyThe report from a remarkable evening in Madrid in the first leg...
For a team failing on all fronts, Tottenham Hotspur succeeded in one thing. They put the mad into Madrid. In the meltdown in the Metropolitano, Spurs appeared to knock themselves out of the Champions League in 22 strange, shocking minutes. An hour later, Dominic Solanke’s goal provided a glimmer of hope amid the humiliation. There may be a sliver of a chance the craziest part is still to come.
Because, as Tottenham lost six consecutive games for the first time in their history, they could be grateful they leave Spain only beaten 5-2. They seemed to turn up in the wrong boots, with the wrong goalkeeper and the wrong manager.
They gifted Atletico Madrid an assortment of ridiculous goals, the first three each sillier than the last, the fifth with a hole where their defence was supposed to be. A side with a capacity for slip-ups took it literally, losing their balance, the ball, their dignity and, probably, their place in the Champions League. Their latest manager may lose his job.
Tottenham lose all remaining dignity in abject defeat to Atletico as Tudor faces axe
When is Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid?
Wednesday 18 March 2026 17:46 , Chris WilsonThe second leg of the Champions League round of 16 tie is due to kick off at 8pm GMT on Wednesday 18 March at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.
How can I watch it?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch the match live on TNT Sports 3, with coverage on the channel from 7pm GMT. A live stream will be available via discovery+.
Predicted line-ups
Wednesday 18 March 2026 17:42 , Chris WilsonTottenham XI: Vicario; Danso, Romero, Van de Ven; Porro, Gray, Sarr, Spence; Kolo Muani, Solanke, Simons.
Atletico Madrid XI: Musso; Pubill, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; G. Simeone, Llorente, Cardoso, Lookman; Alvarez, Griezmann.
Team news
Wednesday 18 March 2026 17:38 , Chris WilsonJan Oblak’s muscle strain means Juan Musso is likely to start again in goal for Atletico Madrid. Pablo Barrios and Rodri Mendoza are also unavailable.
Team news
Wednesday 18 March 2026 17:35 , Chris WilsonConor Gallagher and Dominic Solanke are both major doubts for Tottenham, who are also without the injured Joao Palhinha and suspended Richarlison. Lucas Bergvall and Destiny Udogie may be fit enough for places on the bench.
Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid LIVE
Wednesday 18 March 2026 17:32 , Chris WilsonTottenham have it all to do after a calamitous first leg performance left them trailing Atletico Madrid 5-2.
Spurs conceded four times in the first 22 minutes of the Champions League round of 16 tie, with Igor Tudor substituting Antonin Kinsky early on having given the young goalkeeper his first appearance in the competition.
While goals from Pedro Porro and Dominic Solanke restored a modicum of respectability, home prospects of progression are slim even after an improved Premier League showing against Liverpool at the weekend.
Atletico will know a quarter-final place is within their grasp provided they can avoid a collapse in London.
Good evening
Wednesday 18 March 2026 17:28 , Chris WilsonHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of tonight’s Champions League last-16 second leg between Tottenham and Atletico Madrid.
The hosts trail 5-2 after a shambolic first leg in the Spanish capital but they’ll look to mount a famous European comeback as they welcome Diego Simeone’s side, and we’ll have all the latest build-up, teams news and updates right here.
