Atlético Madrid have received a significant boost ahead of their home meeting with Tottenham Hotspur F.C. in the Round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.
Tottenham’s return to European competition is unlikely to generate much excitement among supporters, as the club is currently more concerned about being dragged into a relegation fight in the Premier League. Speaking about the Champions League draw last week, interim manager Igor Tudor emphasised that every remaining league match is being treated like a “final,” underlining where the team’s priorities currently lie.
Even so, the clash still carries emotional weight for Spurs, who will return to the Metropolitano Stadium — the same ground where they suffered defeat in the 2019 UEFA Champions League Final.
Atletico Receive Timely Boost
According to reports from AS, Atletico are set to welcome back an important player before the tie. Midfielder Pablo Barrios is expected to return after spending about a month sidelined with a thigh injury and has now recovered enough to be considered for selection.
Barrios has played an important role under manager Diego Simeone this season. He is expected to rejoin full training after the team’s weekend match against Real Sociedad. Although he may only take part in one training session with the squad before the first leg, reports indicate he could still start against Tottenham.
Pressure Mounting on Tudor
Meanwhile, pressure is already increasing on Spurs boss Igor Tudor, despite him being in charge for less than three weeks. The Croatian has so far struggled to inspire improvement from an injury-hit Tottenham side that has delivered disappointing performances in three consecutive London derbies.
However, journalist Tom Barclay reports that Tudor is still scheduled to speak at Monday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the first leg in Spain, suggesting the club have no plans to replace him before the encounter with Atletico. ⚽
