Tottenham Hotspur manager Igor Tudor believes his team can still progress in the Champions League despite a 5-2 first-leg loss to Atletico Madrid.
Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals may seem bleak, but manager Igor Tudor believes his side still has a chance of winning the tie against Atletico Madridwinning the tie against Atletico Madrid.
Atletico have struggled recently, losing 3-0 to Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona, and Tottenham will be encouraged by their 1-1 draw against Liverpool on Sunday.
Tudor emphasized that Tottenham’s priority is to stay in the Premier League, but he also wants his team to show they can compete with Atletico Madrid. “It’s difficult but not impossible. We need to stay in the game, focus on our strengths,” he said.
Igor Tudor looks ahead to tomorrow night’s Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/VAic2NrPB6
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 17, 2026
The Croatian manager is unsure about Conor Gallagher’s availability due to asthma problems and a virus. However, defender Cristian Romero is fit again after suffering a head clash in the first leg.
Tudor dismissed reports of dressing room apathy, with defender Micky van de Ven saying the claims are “made up” and that the players care deeply about the situation.
“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.”
Tottenham will look to restore their dented confidence with a win, and Tudor believes believing in themselves is key. “Everything is still to play for, believing we can do it is the important thing from the start.”
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
The team will make a late call on Gallagher’s availability, and Destiny Udogie and Lucas Bergvall will be on the bench but unlikely to feature much.
