Tottenham fall short against Atletico despite a spirited fightback | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur defeated Atletico Madrid 3-2 in the second leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday but lost 7-5 on aggregate.

Los Rojiblancos thought they had extended their lead in the tie six minutes into the game when Ademola Lookman turned in Giuliano Simeone’s low cross, but he was denied by the offside flag.

At the other end, Juan Musso made two fine saves to deny Mathys Tel the opener.

On the half-hour mark, Randal Kolo Muani opened the scoring after he met Tel’s cross with a bullet header.

Minutes later, Lookman almost responded immediately for Atletico, but he scuffed his low effort at Guglielmo Vicario.

Spurs initiated a fluent move moments later which was finished off by Tel, but Musso denied him.

On the stroke of halftime, Tel skipped past his marker to unleash a 25-yard strike, but Musso parried away his effort before the crossbar, and Vicario denied Atletico an equaliser.

Two minutes after the restart, Julian Alvarez restored parity for the visitors, finishing into the top corner.

In the 52nd minute, the Lilywhites retook the lead via Xavi Simons after he teed up with Archie Grey to find the bottom corner.

On the hour mark, Musso made a brilliant save, parrying Pedro Porro’s effort over the bar before Pape Matar Sarr headed wide from close range.

At the other end, Vicario denied Alvarez from point-blank range to keep Spurs in the tie.

However, in the 75th minute, David Hancko drew Atletico level again, rising above his marker to head in from a set-piece.

On the stroke of full time, Spurs were awarded a penalty following a foul on Simons in the area. The Dutchman stepped up and converted the spot-kick.

Atletico Madrid will now face Barcelona in the quarterfinal of the Champions League.