Diego Simeone has dismissed ideas that Atletico Madrid are favourites for their Champions League last-16 tie against Tottenham Hotspur, despite the visitors' dire Premier League position. Interim Spurs boss Igor Tudor has prioritised avoiding relegation but sees the European clash as a momentum-builder. The first leg is at Estadio Metropolitano on Tuesday, 8pm UK time (TNT Sports 1).
The Champions League last-16 first leg pits Atletico Madrid against a Tottenham Hotspur side in domestic turmoil. Atletico scraped through playoffs with a 7-4 aggregate win over Club Brugge after finishing 14th in the league phase (four wins, one draw, three losses), while Tottenham earned direct qualification by placing fourth (five wins, two draws, one loss), staying unbeaten and clean-sheeted in their last three European games.
Atletico sit third in LaLiga after a 3-2 win over Real Sociedad, chasing a top-three finish. Tottenham languish one point above the Premier League relegation zone following a 3-1 loss to Crystal Palace—their third defeat in Tudor's first three games since replacing Thomas Frank last month. Spurs have no league win since December 28.
Tudor was clear in his pre-match press conference: "Our first aim is the Premier League—this needs to be said publicly." Yet he added value in the Champions League: "It's a beautiful game... a totally different mentality to help the team grow," with Richarlison set to start and players returning boosting spirits. Defender Pedro Porro voiced faith in the new coach after three weeks.
Simeone rejected favoritism claims: "Atletico cannot be considered favourites against Tottenham... it depends on how you interpret [their position]." He praised Tottenham's squad and the higher tempo of English football: "The pace is higher. You can even see it on TV—it's faster than in Spain, Italy, or Germany." Atletico have never lost a Champions League knockout home tie under Simeone since 2011 and boast prolific form with 12 different scorers, led by Alexander Sørloth's hat-trick against Brugge.
Tottenham are hit by injuries to Wilson Odobert, James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski, Ben Davies, Lucas Bergvall, Mohammed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur, but gain returns of captain Cristian Romero, Djed Spence and Radu Dragusin. Atletico may miss Rodrigo Mendoza (ankle) but welcome back Pablo Barrios (hamstring). Spurs' Randal Kolo Muani has contributed to five goals in seven Champions League games this season. The clubs last met in the 1963 Cup Winners' Cup final, Tottenham winning 5-1.
