Atletico Madrid host Tottenham Hotspur in Champions League last 16 clash

Relegation-threatened Spurs look to pull off upset against in-form Atleti

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Tottenham Hotspur travel to Spain to face Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League last 16 tie on Tuesday. Spurs have struggled domestically under new manager Igor Tudor, sitting just one point above the Premier League relegation zone. However, they have impressed in Europe this season and will hope to pull off an upset against an Atletico side that has been inconsistent but also beaten the likes of Barcelona recently.

Why it matters

This Champions League tie provides a much-needed distraction for Tottenham from their Premier League woes, as they look to advance to the quarterfinals. A strong result in Madrid could give the squad a boost for the remainder of the domestic season. For Atletico, this is a chance to continue their strong European campaign and potentially set up an advantageous position ahead of the second leg.

The details

Atletico Madrid have undergone a squad overhaul under manager Diego Simeone, with new signings like Ademola Lookman and Alexander Sorloth providing more attacking threat. They sit third in La Liga and recently reached the Spanish Cup final. Tottenham, meanwhile, have struggled for consistency under Igor Tudor, losing their last three league games. However, they will be boosted by the return of center-back pairing Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven for this crucial European clash.

  • The first leg will be played on Tuesday, March 9, 2026.
  • The second leg is scheduled for Tuesday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Diego Simeone

The long-serving Atletico Madrid manager who has overseen a squad overhaul this season.

Igor Tudor

The new Tottenham Hotspur manager who is trying to steer the club away from Premier League relegation trouble.

Julian Alvaraz

The Atletico Madrid striker who has emerged as the team's main attacking threat this season.

Cristian Romero

The Tottenham center-back who is set to return from suspension for this crucial Champions League tie.

Conor Gallagher

The Tottenham midfielder who joined from Atletico in the winter transfer window and will have inside knowledge of his former club.

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What they’re saying

“We must be at our best to overcome Tottenham, they have shown they can produce big performances in Europe this season.”

— Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid manager (Marca)

“This Champions League run has been a welcome distraction, but now we must use it to kickstart our league form and move away from the relegation zone.”

— Igor Tudor, Tottenham Hotspur manager (Sky Sports)

What’s next

The second leg of this UEFA Champions League last 16 tie will be played on Tuesday, March 16, 2026 in London.

The takeaway

This Champions League clash provides a crucial opportunity for both teams - Atletico Madrid can cement their status as contenders, while Tottenham Hotspur can use a strong European run to boost their chances of Premier League survival.