Twitter Tuesday: Tottenham poised to put footballing world on notice

The day we’ve all been waiting for has finally arrived as the Champions League returns after a seemingly eternal slumber, with Tottenham poised to put the footballing world on notice.

Awakening from an almost three-month hibernation, Europe’s most prestigious club competition returns with vengeance. Spurs arrived in Turin yesterday, focussed entirely on the task at hand.

Mauricio’s one-minute flyer

Mauricio Pochettino understands acutely the challenge that awaits in Turin. Juventus, the finalists from last season’s competition, are probably the most dominant home side over the last five years on the European stage. The Old Lady are undefeated in 26 Champions League contests, putting into context the Everest-sized impediment his side must overcome.

The lads poised to upset the apple cart

The lads tried their temporary new digs on for size as they entered the barren, still Allianz Stadium. They’ll be faced with an entirely different atmosphere tomorrow night, with the Old Lady’s 12th man assembling a seismic force. Concentration personified, Spurs’ contingent are unwavering in their focus and determination. Spurs have never played a match in Turin in the Champions League.

Toby Alderweireld left in London

Toby Alderweireld will watch his teammates wage war from London. While healthy and raring to go, the Belgian hasn’t seen enough match time to contend for a spot in the lineup. Expect him to play an integral part in the second leg at Wembley, though.

A recap of the group stage

It’s been a while but I have no doubt you recall Spurs’ rampant, dominant performances in the group stage. Tottenham wiped the floor with perennial powerhouses Borussia Dortmund and holders Real Madrid. There’s something about the animated depiction that I simply can’t get enough of.

Next: How Spurs can expose the Old Lady

The stage is set

Do whatever therapeutic pre-game rituals needed to try settle your nerves. We’re less than 12 hours from the most important kick off in years, since Spurs last qualified for the round of 16 in 2010-11.