Igor Tudor's Spurs Still in Hunt Despite 5-2 Defeat

Igor Tudor's Spurs look to mount incredible comeback against Atletico Madrid 

Tottenham Hotspur's Igor Tudor remains optimistic despite 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid in Champions League last-16 first leg.

Tottenham Hotspur's hopes of progressing hinge on stunning comeback against Atletico Madrid...

Igor Tudor thinks Spurs can still turn their Champions League tie around despite the 5-2 loss to Atletico Madrid. He's pointing to Atletico's recent struggles, including losses to Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona, as well as Spurs' 1-1 draw with Liverpool, which ended a five-game losing streak.

Igor Tudor believes Tottenham can still progress to the next round, saying, “Both things, it is a game which we should play to pass (progress to next round)”

He added that their priority is to stay in the league, but the Champions League game is a big challenge to show they can do good things and aren't inferior to Atletico Madrid. “Our first thing is to stay in the league, but tomorrow is a big challenge to show we can do good things, that they are not better than us.”

“Our first thing ‌is to stay in the league, but tomorrow ⁠is a big challenge to show ‌we can do good things, that they are not better than us.

“It is difficult but not impossible. We need to stay in the game, focus on our strengths. Everything is still to play for, believing we can do it is the important thing from the start.”

Injury Updates Ahead of Atletico Madrid Clash

Tottenham Hotspur's manager Igor Tudor has revealed that midfielder Conor Gallagher is a doubt for Wednesday's Champions League match against Atletico Madrid due to illness. Defender Cristian Romero, who suffered a head clash with teammate Joao Palhinha in the first leg, has been declared fit again.

Joao Palhinha remains unavailable, while Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall are expected to be on the bench, although they might not start. Richarlison is suspended for the match due to a yellow card accumulation.

“We see today what we can do (about Gallagher). He has asthma problems, maybe some virus, it is not ‌a nice thing. We will see tomorrow if he is fit for the bench,” Tudor said.

“Joao is a no, Destiny (Udogie) and Lucas (Bergvall) will be on the bench, but not part of the game too much as they have just come back to us. Cristian Romero is there, he can play.”

Igor Tudor confirms Destiny Udogie, Lucas Bergvall and Cuti Romero are available for tomorrow night's Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid 💪

All the latest team news and updates from the press conference 🔗 https://t.co/EjhZUMif3S pic.twitter.com/gqmd8Te27K

— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 17, 2026

Spurs Players Give Assurance Amidst Speculation

Tottenham Hotspur defender Micky van de Ven has denied reports of dressing room apathy, insisting the players are fully committed despite recent struggles. His comments come after speculation about the team's attitude and focus.

“The other day when we read that one guy had ‌told the rest of the team that he doesn't care because he's leaving anyway. How does this come out? It's just made up,” ‌the Dutch international added.

“And the fans will believe it. It's just frustrating for us guys. It brings so much more trouble as well, because fans are starting to believe this.

“But trust me, all the people involved on the pitch, the staff, the players, everyone, they care ⁠so much about the situation ⁠we're in right now, and ‌we just want to turn things around.”

Tudor believes the task is “not impossible.” Do you think Spurs can pull it off?