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Antonin Kinsky: Spurs replace keeper after conceding three goals inside 15 minutes

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Antonin Kinsky: Spurs replace keeper after conceding three goals inside 15 minutes - BBC
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Tottenham replaced goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky in just the 17th minute of their Champions League last-16 tie at Atletico Madrid after conceding three goals inside the opening quarter of an hour.

The Czech Republic stopper, 22, endured a nightmare start and interim boss Igor Tudor quickly replaced him with Guglielmo Vicario.

Italian Vicario has started the majority of Tottenham's games this season but was dropped for Tuesday's first-leg tie in Madrid after being criticised for poor performances.

However, Vicario also conceded five minutes after coming on as Atletico stormed into a 4-0 lead by the 22nd minute, before Pedro Porro reduced the deficit by half-time.

Tottenham signed Kinsky from Slavia Prague in a deal worth about £12.5m in January 2025.

His first error - a slip - led to Marcos Llorente making it 1-0 in the sixth minute, before Antoine Griezmann added a second eight minutes later.

Kinsky - who last started in October for the second of two Carabao Cup games this season - was also at fault for Atletico's third goal, gifting the ball straight to Julian Alvarez to finish easily in the 15th minute.

The keeper had his head in his hands after that horror show and was taken off less than two minutes later, going straight down the tunnel.

BBC Sport's chief football writer Phil McNulty, who was at the match, said: "I've watched a lot of football but not sure I've ever witnessed anything quite like this.

"Not just those mistakes, but Igor Tudor's decision to take Antonin Kinsky off.

"What a horrible night for the young keeper. The Atleti fans actually gave him sympathetic applause but not sure how he can be consoled after that."

BBC Sport's Spanish football reporter Elizabeth Conway, also at the match, added: "Kevin Danso, Cristian Romero and Pedro Porro went straight over to Antonin Kinsky as he left the pitch to show their support.

"It was a disastrous 17 minutes for the 22-year-old Czech."

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Tottenham news: Sebastien Bassong on Champions League 'opportunity'

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Tottenham news: Sebastien Bassong on Champions League 'opportunity' - BBC
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Ex-Spurs defender Sebastien Bassong is hopeful the Champions League campaign will boost Tottenham's quest to survive this season.

Igor Tudor's side are in Spain tonight for the first leg of their last-16 tie with Atletico Madrid and have been impressive in Europe, in contrast to their domestic struggles.

"The good thing with football is that the next game is always coming round really quickly," Bassong said on BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"The Champions League game is an opportunity for Tudor to galvanise his players and get them together in order to apply to the Premier League.

"They need to create some momentum if they are going to stay safe."

Bassong refused to blame injuries for Tottenham's troubles this season, instead suggesting their position in the table is down to a lot of "mistakes" at all levels.

"It is a collective - you can't put it down to one entity," he said. "However, they still have an opportunity to get out of trouble.

"That's what I am expecting from a big, talented group of players."

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Tottenham news: Harry Redknapp on Spurs' fight against relegation

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Tottenham news: Harry Redknapp on Spurs' fight against relegation - BBC
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Former Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp says a result against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday night "would be great" but insists the priority for Spurs has to be Premier League survival.

A run of 11 games without a win - and five straight defeats - has left Tottenham one point above the bottom three, with nine games to go.

"It is unbelievable they are in this position again with the squad they've got, the best training ground and best stadium in the country," he told BBC Radio 5 Live Breakfast.

"Unfortunately, the players haven't performed and they need to stand up and be counted. Spurs are in a dogfight.

"The ambition for this season has to be to stay in the Premier League."

New boss Igor Tudor has been unable to reverse the direction of travel but Redknapp does not believe he is to blame for their woes.

"It's very difficult - the team is struggling and no-one has a magic wand," he said. "Whatever is going on has been happening for the past 40 games. He can't just walk in and sprinkle star dust."

So will Redknapp be ready to step into the dugout if required?

"I won't - I don't expect to get a call," he added. "My focus this week is enjoying myself at Cheltenham!"

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Spurs fan returns to New White Hart Lane after Kent hospital stay

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Spurs fan returns to New White Hart Lane after Kent hospital stay - BBC
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A lifelong Tottenham Hotspur fan has been able to return to supporting her side in person, after getting support from occupational therapists, and with the help of a portable oxygen supply.

Jacqueline Green, from Canterbury, Kent previously had a 16-day stay in hospital, nine of which were in a critical care unit in an induced coma, being treated for double pneumonia.

In December 2024, she was re-admitted to critical care with respiratory failure and was referred to the East Kent Specialist Respiratory Service, after struggling with her mental health.

The 69-year-old said: "Watching the game live, with the roaring crowd, instead of in front of the telly in my front room, was a magical moment."

She said: "It's been a long time coming and at times I didn't think I'd get here.

"It's funny the things that matter to you most and what you miss about fitter and happier times."

Green, who also has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also spent six weeks being treated in an anxiety and symptom management programme, having spent time at the William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

COPD can lead to increasingly difficulty breathing over time, a persistent cough and frequent chest infections.

Since her improvement, Jacqueline has started volunteering at her local pulmonary rehabilitation programme, passing-on her real-life experiences and inspiring people.

Respiratory nurse Sue Gaskin explained: "I met Jacqueline at a particularly dark time in her life.

"Her experiences in hospital had left her traumatised and very downbeat, but I knew we could work together to help her access the support she desperately needed."

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Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham Hotspur: UEFA Champions League stats & head-to-head

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Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham Hotspur: UEFA Champions League stats & head-to-head - BBC
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Atlético Madrid have only won one of their last 10 UEFA Champions League meetings with English clubs (D2 L7), beating Manchester United 1-0 in March 2022.

Tottenham Hotspur have faced Atlético Madrid just once before in European competition, beating them in the 1963 Cup Winners' Cup final 5-1.

Atlético Madrid have progressed from two of their three previous UEFA Champions League last 16 ties against English clubs, beating Liverpool in 2019-20 and Manchester United in 2021-22, losing the other to Chelsea in 2020-21.

Tottenham have only lost one of their last five UEFA Champions League meetings with Spanish opponents (W2 D2), a 2-4 home defeat to Barcelona in the 2018-19 group stage.

Atlético Madrid have never lost a UEFA Champions League knockout stage game under Diego Simeone at either their former home, the Vicente Calderón (W7 D4), or their current home, the Riyadh Air Metropolitano (W6 D2).

Tottenham have won their last three UEFA Champions League games without conceding a goal (v Slavia Prague, Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt). They have never previously won four consecutive matches in the European Cup/UEFA Champions League, nor have they kept four straight clean sheets before.

This will be Tottenham boss Igor Tudor’s first game as a manager in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, while he has won just two of nine matches in the competition overall (D2 L5). His most recent game in the competition was a defeat in the Spanish capital, losing 0-1 at Real Madrid in charge of Juventus this season (October 2025).

Ademola Lookman has had a hand in 16 goals in his last 21 appearances in major European competition (12 goals, 4 assists), while he scored in his only start in the UEFA Champions League to date for current club Atlético Madrid (v Club Brugge in the previous round).

Randal Kolo Muani has been directly involved in five goals in seven games for Tottenham in the UEFA Champions League this season (3 goals, 2 assists), already his most in a single edition. Indeed, only two players have netted more than three goals in their first Champions League campaign as a Spurs player: Gareth Bale and Peter Crouch (both 4 in 2010-11).

Along with leading his team for goal involvements (7 – 5 goals, 2 assists), Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez has averaged 71.1 high-intensity pressures per 90 in the UEFA Champions League; the highest average of any player remaining in the 2025-26 tournament (min. 300 minutes played).

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Tottenham to prioritise Premier League survival over Champions League progress, says Igor Tudor

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Tottenham to prioritise Premier League survival over Champions League progress, says Igor Tudor - BBC
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Tottenham Hotspur will prioritise earning Premier League survival over Champions League progress, says interim manager Igor Tudor.

Spurs' poor domestic form meant Thomas Frank was sacked last month and three defeats in Tudor's first three games in charge have left them one point above the relegation zone.

They have performed far better in Europe, earning automatic qualification to the Champions League last 16, where they are away for their first leg against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday (20:00 GMT).

Securing a 49th consecutive season in England's top flight is Tudor's priority, though.

"Every game is important," said the Croat during Monday's news conference in Madrid.

"[A] totally different mentality aspect can be used in this kind of game, so maybe this can help us see which problems we have, and to switch the right way. But always focus on us, to grow as a team, to do things better.

"We need to do our best in terms that we need to grow," Tudor added. "Our first aim is the Premier League - this is something that needs to be said publicly. It's a normal thing.

"[The Champions League] is something extra, but that doesn't mean we don't want to pass and don't want to go to the next round."

Defenders Djed Spence and Cristian Romero are available again, with captain Romero back from suspension to make his first appearance under Tudor.

And after using Richarlison off the bench during his first three games, Tudor said the Brazil forward will start on Tuesday.

"Players are coming back, that's important," said Tudor. "In all three games we missed the players on their positions and we missed the players who are usually playing.

"It's a beautiful game to play tomorrow, a totally different competition than the Premier League. There is a good experience from this season, past games, so let's see what happens tomorrow."

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Igor Tudor press conference: Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham preview

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Igor Tudor press conference: Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham preview - BBC
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Tudor confirmed both Djed Spence and Cristian Romero are available to face Atletico Madrid, while Yves Bissouma and Souza will be unavailable, as the Spurs boss emphasised the importance of players beginning to come back. He also confirmed Richarlison will start.

He added: "For the first time that I'm here, we will have, let's say, available players to play in the defensive side that are the players we usually play. So all three games happen that we miss the players in their positions, and we miss the players who are usually playing. So a beautiful game to play tomorrow, a totally different competition than the Premier League."

On being able to select captain Romero: "Yes, he has missed it a lot. He was also not feeling good to not be in, with the circumstances to help the team. So now he's back, we was working these two, three weeks a lot. Even with the fitness coach he did a separate running session to be in better shape now that he's back. We are happy. I'm sure that tomorrow he'll be a leader like he's always been and that we'll make together a good game."

Tudor said the "more the time is passing", he is seeing "more quality in everything", adding: "Lots of habits sometimes need more time than you expected to change. This is also very interesting and this is the thing we are speaking with the staff every day, how fast we can make changes."

On the importance of these games against Atletico: "Every game is important. As I said, always after the game we need to be focused on us, to grow. It can be an opportunity. Totally different mentality can be used in this kind of game, so maybe this can help us, seeing which problems we have. I believe that these kind of games can help us to switch the right way."

On whether they can try something new that could help their form for the rest of the season: "We need to do our best in terms of we need to grow. Because our first aim is the Premier League - this is something that needs to be said publicly, it's a normal thing - this is something extra, but that doesn't mean we don't want to pass and don't want to go to the next round."

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Ashley Phillips: Wales want Tottenham defender to join World Cup campaign

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Wales hope Tottenham defender Ashley Phillips could boost their World Cup qualifying hopes, if they can persuade the 20-year-old to switch allegiance from England.

Salford-born Phillips, who has a Welsh mother, was capped by Wales at under-16 level before representing England at various age grades.

Wales have made contact with the centre-back who was in the England U21 squad in November and also qualifies for Nigeria.

Head coach Craig Bellamy will be without injured captain Ben Davies for World Cup play-offs at the end of the month, while West Brom centre-back Chris Mepham has also been absent for over a month with a hamstring problem.

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Football gossip: Roberto de Zerbi, Glenn Hoddle, Robbie Keane, Scott McTominay, Phil Foden

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Football gossip: Roberto de Zerbi, Glenn Hoddle, Robbie Keane, Scott McTominay, Phil Foden - BBC
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Several names - including those of two former club heroes - are in the running to take the reins at Tottenham, while Serie A champions Napoli are looking to secure the future of Scott McTominay.

Tottenham have held talks with former Marseille boss Roberto de Zerbi about a summer appointment if they stay in the Premier League. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Former manager and player Glenn Hoddle has offered to ensure Tottenham avoid relegation should interim boss Igor Tudor be sacked after losing his opening three games. (Mail), external

Another former Tottenham player, Robbie Keane, has also emerged as one of the leading candidates if the north London side axe the Croat. (TeamTalk), external

Napoli hope to move quickly to secure the long-term future of Scotland midfielder Scott McTominay, 29, amid interest from the Premier League. (Goal), external

Newcastle United striker William Osula says he does not know what the future holds, but his focus for now is on Tyneside. The 22-year-old Dane has previously been linked with Stuttgart. (ChronicleLive), external

Antoine Griezmann, 34, has decided not to leave Atletico Madrid mid-season; Orlando City had showed strong interest in the former France forward. (L'Equipe - in French, subscription required), external

Manchester City are sure to offer England international Phil Foden a new contract when his current one expires at the end of next season, but negotiations will not be easy given the 25-year-old midfielder's inconsistent form. (The Athletic - subscription required), external

England midfielder Mason Mount, 27, has no intention of forcing an exit from Manchester United this summer. (Football Insider), external

Manchester United have been informed that Trabzonspor are not willing to pay the club's valuation of £40m to £43m for Cameroon goalkeeper Andre Onana, 29, this summer. (MEN), external

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Tottenham news: Opinion - A purge needs to happen at Spurs

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Tottenham news: Opinion - A purge needs to happen at Spurs - BBC
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As the implications of Thursday's defeat started to sink in, a list began to form in my mind: the individuals responsible and those I want gone from meddling in the affairs of my football club.

Spurs have been run aground from top to bottom. The decision was taken to oust Daniel Levy, hardly a fan favourite, but replacing him with a collection of 'suits' with little footballing IQ set the ball rolling. From there, it has simply snowballed.

Our recruitment policy is scattergun at best, and we seem unable to keep players fit for the chop-and-change tactical systems we employ. And now to cap it all off, the abysmal decision-making process has finally infected the first-team squad.

In N17, it seems like we are incapable of going 10 minutes without setting fire to something. The floor is covered in the ash of catastrophic red cards, premature or delayed sackings, and formations that make little to no sense.

The only people to walk away untouched by blame are Archie Gray and the fans.

Gray has been used to plug every gap and fix every tactical deficiency. It feels like the fate of the club sits on his 19-year-old shoulders, a burden far too heavy for someone of his age. He is a mechanic spraying WD-40 on an F1 car whose wheels have fallen off.

Meanwhile, the fans are the people who have been forced to witness mistake after mistake. Those in the stadium on Thursday night have paid roughly £300 per home Premier League win over the past two seasons.

There is little comfort on offer right now. So, I'll turn to my list. I'll repeat it every night before sleep in the hope that when I wake, we'll have finally made a correct decision...

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