Atletico Madrid held off a determined Tottenham Hotspur to reach the Champions League quarter-finals, surviving a 3-2 defeat in the second leg on Wednesday as they advanced 7-5 on aggregate.
Diego Simeone’s side trailed three times in north London but managed to edge past Tottenham thanks to key goals from Julian Alvarez and David Hancko, while Xavi Simons struck a late stoppage-time penalty that came too late to spark an incredible comeback.
Randal Kolo Muani gave Spurs the lead in the first half, and Tottenham’s young star Mathys Tel created several early chances, testing Atletico’s goalkeeper Juan Musso, deputising for the injured Jan Oblak. Despite Tottenham’s pressure, Alvarez equalised immediately after the break, and Hancko’s goal sealed Atletico’s survival.
The win sets up a blockbuster quarter-final clash with Barcelona, who thrashed Newcastle 7-2 in their last-16 tie. Atletico, third in La Liga, will look to improve on this erratic display to challenge for a semi-final spot.
For Tottenham Hotspur, the European exit shifts focus entirely back to the Premier League, where they sit just one point above the relegation zone. Interim manager Igor Tudor has motivated his squad, but Tottenham faces a crucial survival clash against fourth-bottom Nottingham Forest on Sunday.
Despite their tough league position, Tottenham showed fight, with Simons and Tel creating several dangerous moments, and their persistence briefly ignited hopes of a miraculous comeback. However, Atletico held firm, ensuring that the Spanish side advances while Spurs turn their attention to survival in the Premier League.
