Champions League 2025-2026: Tottenham-Atletico Madrid, the likely lineups

At 9 p.m., the spotlight at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will be turned on for the return leg of the Champions League round of 16 between Spurs and Atletico Madrid. They will restart from the pyrotechnic 5-2 first leg in favor of the Colchoneros, a result that matured in a nightmarish night at the Wanda Metropolitano, marked by the glaring uncertainties of goalkeeper Kinsky, who was recalled to the bench after only 17 minutes of play.

Tottenham is now called upon to perform a feat that would have the miraculous, but the mood at the London home is anything but serene. Indeed, Igor Tudor’s team is going through one of the darkest moments in its recent history: incredibly embroiled in the struggle not to relegate to the Premier League, Spurs arrive at this challenge with morale low and a technical leadership more than ever in the balance. For the Croatian coach, the match against Simeone represents a last resort: a show of pride could restore oxygen to the environment, but another collapse would probably sanction his immediate exoneration. Tudor, grappling with countless injuries, lines up: Vicario between the posts, Porro and Spence as full-backs, Van de Ven returns to lead the defense along with Danso, on the three-quarter Simons, Tel and Kolo Muani behind Solanke.

On the other side, Atletico Madrid arrives in London strong with a triple advantage and the usual defensive solidity. Cholo’s men, masters in managing the rhythms and striking on the restart, will try to nip in the bud any English comeback hopes, taking advantage of the psychological frailties of an opponent that seems to have lost its identity. The Cholo, deprived of Oblak due to a muscle problem, will start with the usual set-up: 4-4-2 with Musso in goal, Pubill and Ruggeri as full-backs, Llorente and Cardoso in the middle of the field, Lookman and Giuliano Simeone on the flanks to support the attacking pair Griezmann-Alvarez, Sorloth resting.

Probable formations

TOTTENHAM (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Danso, Van de Ven, Spence; Gray, Sarr; Tel, Simons, Kolo Muani; Solanke. All. Tudor.

ATLETICO MADRID (4-4-2): Musso; Pubill, Le Normand, Hancko, Ruggeri; Simeone, Llorente, Cardoso, Lookman; Griezmann, Alvarez. All. Simeone.

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