Can Tottenham capitalize on chance to advance against Real Madrid?
By Gary Pearson
Spurs will guarantee their qualification for the Round of 16 with victory against Champions League holders’ Real Madrid at Wembley on Wednesday.
Harry Kane’s status for the potentially decisive match is still up in the air. Mauricio Pochettino didn’t offer definitive news in his pre-match press conference. However, the gaffer was more optimistic about his top striker’s health than he was prior to playing Manchester United.
Former Tottenham star Gareth Bale will probably miss out due to yet another ailment in what has been an injury-filled few seasons. Forward Mateo Kovacic, midfielder Raphael Varane and defender Dani Carvajal are also still carrying knocks ahead of the battle for Group H superiority.
A draw will leave Spurs at least – depending on the result of Borussia Dortmund’s home match against APOEL – four points ahead of the German side with two to play. Tottenham control their fate and would have to catastrophically implode to miss out on a Round of 16 berth.
Tottenham, who haven’t kept a clean sheet in five previous European encounters at Wembley, have endured their fair share of forgettable evenings under the lights at their temporary, if not humbled, abode.
However, Tottenham defeated Borussia Dortmund 3-1 at Wembley on opening night of their Champions League campaign, showcasing their lethal ability on the counter. That match set Spurs’ Champions League tone, the club’s performances – both away to Madrid and APOEL – putting other top European clubs on notice.
Tottenham were full value in leaving the Bernabeu with a share of the spoils a fortnight ago and Pochettino’s men won’t be overawed by the occasion. Expect Madrid to dominate possession, a scenario that would suit Spurs splendidly, so long as Kane starts.
Spurs too often control the lion’s share of possession, particularly in the Premier League against inferior opponents. Breaking down teams who bring 11 men behind the ball in an organized, fortified defensive shell has proven difficult for Spurs.
Attacking a Madrid defence, whose susceptibility is well documented, on the counter with pace and a killer instinct could render desirable results for Tottenham. It’s the same tactic Spurs used to devastating effect against Dortmund on Match Day 1.
Madrid, however, are a team designed to excel on the big stage. And, although Madrid are used to playing in more important matches, there are few bigger stages than Wembley. Spurs must err on the side of caution from the off, stamping out Madrid’s attack by smothering their most creative players by committee. And Tottenham must, at all cost, avoid conceding free kicks in precarious positions.
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While a draw will still leave Spurs in a strong spot to advance, Pochettino would be remiss not to see this as is a one-off chance to defeat the defending champions, a result which would see Spurs into the next round of the Champions League for the first time since 2010-11.
A victory against Madrid would inject the team with invaluable self-belief while providing guaranteed qualification, allowing the gaffer to rotate personnel if the situation necessitates.