Tottenham’s lethal counter punishes Madrid: Spurs move on to round of 16
By Gary Pearson
Tottenham guarantee their spot in the round of 16 with a 3-1 win against Real Madrid, the home side dominating the Champions League holders in a thrilling night of European football.
Dele Alli marked his return to the lineup in emphatic fashion, the Englishman scoring a brace to lead Spurs attack.
Spurs executed Mauricio Pochettino’s game plan to perfection. The Lilywhites were, akin to the match against Borussia Dortmund, clinical on the counter and full value for the win.
A slightly bittersweet first half saw the home side go into the interval with a 1-0 lead but not without suffering some collateral damage. Toby Alderweireld pulled up lame after damaging his right hamstring.
It’s the sort of injury he knew about immediately, and one that will keep the Belgian center back out for at least a few weeks.
Spurs were full value for their first half lead, with Kieran Trippier the team’s standout performer. Trippier delivered two sublime first-time volley crosses, one of which was tapped in by an outstretched Alli for Spurs opener. Alli followed through on his run, scoring a natural poacher’s goal.
Tottenham could have bagged a few more first half goals against a decidedly susceptible Madrid defence. Trippier’s first volley cross was whipped across the face of goal, narrowly missing Alli, who might have scored had he not checked his run.
Harry Kane was moving free and unfettered, his every sprint causing millions of Spurs fans to collectively hold their breath. The hamstring held up just fine, though, as Kane probed and penetrated all night long, showing why he’s the world’s best.
He delivered some outstanding cross-field balls, lashed a well hit long-range effort, attempted a cheeky chip which was well saved by Kiko Casilla and almost scored from a fortuitous Moussa Sissoko whiffed shot. Kane’s effort beat Casilla but was blocked by Sergio Ramos.
The holders made a resurgence emblematic of a championship team in the aftermath of Spurs opener. Cristiano Ronaldo had two chances, one of which will hopefully haunt his evening sleep. Though that notion is probably hopeful thinking. I highly doubt a narcissist like Ronaldo has any difficulty enjoying a peaceful, restive slumber.
Second half
Alli doubled Tottenham’s lead, courtesy of a heavy Ramos deflection, in the 56th minute. The midfielder deserves plaudits for the way he swivelled in the center of the park to find space. Luck fortunes the brave, the adage yet again reinforced with Alli’s second of the match.
Ripping apart Madrid’s defence on yet another counter, Christian Eriksen made it three in the 65th minute. Kane beat the aging Ramos for pace and smartly delayed, finding the dashing Dane in space. Eriksen finished with supreme confidence, all but putting the match to bed.
Madrid had never lost in the group stage to an English side and Spurs tasted victory only once in 11 tilts versus Spanish sides in Europe before tonight’s clash. The first of those two records has been well and truly obliterated.
Ronaldo scored a consolation goal on a scrappy play, the Portuguese bungling a deflected shot past a helpless Hugo Lloris.
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Pochettino, and Spurs’ faithful, should be extremely proud of how well the lads executed the gaffer’s game plan. It was a committed display deserving of the history-making victory. And it is sure to boost the club’s confidence after two tough losses.
It’s on to the round of 16 for the first time since 2010-11, where Spurs should – barring a near impossible collapse – get a slightly easier knockout draw.
At this stage, though, it doesn’t matter who Spurs face in the knockout stage, such is the euphoria and positive sentiment surrounding the club’s current Champions League campaign.