Igor Tudor reacted angrily after Atletico Madrid were allowed to score an equaliser in their Champions League match. Tottenham were trying to overturn a 5–2 deficit in the second leg.
Spurs’ hopes grew in the first half when Randal Kolo Muani put them 1–0 ahead on the night. However, just two minutes after the break, Julian Alvarez brought Atletico level. Tottenham players argued that Xavi Simons had been fouled in the build-up, and Tudor furiously protested to the fourth official.
The goal was reviewed by VAR, but officials ruled there was no foul. Tudor’s complaints earned him a yellow card.
Speaking on TNT Sports, Joe Hart said the decision was unlikely to be overturned, explaining that while some might have understood a foul being given, the replay supported the referee’s original call.
Tottenham quickly responded, though, as Simons scored a brilliant goal in the 52nd minute to restore their lead. That made it 2–1 on the night and 6–4 on aggregate, lifting the mood in the stadium as Spurs chased another goal.
But with 15 minutes remaining, David Hancko equalised again for Atletico, making it 2–2 on the night and extending their aggregate lead to 7–4.
Simons later converted a penalty in stoppage time to give Tottenham a 3–2 win on the night, marking Tudor’s first victory in charge. Spurs pushed hard in the closing moments for a dramatic turnaround, but ultimately fell short, as Atletico Madrid progressed with a 7–5 aggregat8e win.
