AFCON 2025
In what is being billed as a classic European David vs. Goliath story, a struggling Tottenham Hotspur side prepares to face a formidable Atlético de Madrid on Tuesday night in the Champions League round of 16.
While the North Londoners are currently languishing in 16th place in the Premier League and fighting a relegation battle, the Champions League offers a clean slate.
Standing in their way is Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, who joined Diego Simeone’s side in a €40m move from Atalanta in February 2026 and has already netted four goals in his first five starts for Los Rojiblancos.
Despite the odds, here are three reasons why Igor Tudor’s Tottenham could pull off a massive upset in Madrid.
1. The “Underdog” Psychology and Simeone’s Fear
Ironically, the biggest threat to Atlético might be their own manager’s caution. Diego Simeone has publicly stated that he considers Tottenham the “favorites” despite their domestic woes, citing their inherent “attacking characteristics”.
By shifting the pressure onto a Spurs team that has “nothing to lose” in Europe, Simeone may inadvertently allow Tottenham to play with a freedom they lack in the Premier League.
For an interim manager like Igor Tudor, this match represents a “bonus” opportunity to salvage a dismal season with a signature European night.
2. Defensive Reshuffle at the Metropolitano
While Atlético are traditionally defensive stalwarts, they enter this tie with significant personnel issues.
Key January signing Rodrigo Mendoza has been ruled out of both legs with a moderate-grade ankle sprain. Although Pablo Barrios is expected to return, the disruption to Simeone’s midfield could provide Tottenham’s remaining creative outlets the space they need to exploit a defense that has conceded in three of its last four home matches.
3. The “Lookman Factor” and Familiarity
There is a unique psychological edge in the fact that Tottenham reportedly snubbed the chance to sign Ademola Lookman multiple times before his move to Madrid. Lookman, now the “new hero” of the Metropolitano, will be the focal point of Atlético’s attack.
However, Tottenham’s technical staff are intimately familiar with his movement and style from his time in the Premier League and their extensive scouting of him at Atalanta. If Tudor can successfully man-mark his former transfer target, he could neutralize Atlético’s most potent recent threat.
Tottenham Hotspur travel to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, to face Atlético de Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round of 16 tie.
