Tottenham player ratings v Atlético Madrid: near-perfect Simons shines in European exit | OneFootball

Xavi Simons had quite the stellar evening on Wednesday, despite Tottenham Hotspur failing to complete the second leg comeback against Atlético Madrid as they won 3-2 on the night and exited the Champions League 7-5 on aggregate.

Spurs took the lead into half-time after Randal Kolo Muani’s headed effort, and were left needing just two goals to force extra time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Julian Alvarez restored parity just after the break, with Xavi Simons scoring either side of David Hancko’s header – but it wasn’t enough to progress into the last eight of the competition.

FromTheSpot’s Oliver Powell analyses the Spurs players’ performances and gives his verdict on a mixed night at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium that suggested Igor Tudor is slowly making progress in his bid to defeat the Premier League drop.

Starting XI

Guglielmo Vicario – 8/10

Very impressive display from Vicario following the recent criticism. Highlight was a stunning save in the first half following a Romero deflected header.

Micky van de Ven – 7/10

A lot more like the Van de Ven fans had become used to. An air-kick trying to clear the ball for the first goal was a blemish but some strong flying challenges felt a statement from the under-fire defender.

Cristian Romero – 7.5/10

Like his Dutch partner he made some full-blooded tackles and played some superb diagonal passes, but crossed the line one too many times with fouls before being substituted.

Radu Dragusin – 6.5/10

Hard to fault any of Dragusin’s defending on the night. The designated long-throw specialist was removed after 66 minutes for the more attacking Destiny Udogie.

Djed Spence – 7.5/10

Showed the commitment and desire that had been missing for Spurs as of late. His last-ditch challenge in the final moments of the match to ensure the victory epitomised Spence’s night.

Pedro Porro – 6/10

Found himself in an unfamiliar right midfield role before being subbed off. Showed endeavour as always and could have scored with an outside-of-the-boot effort if it wasn’t for a great Musso save.

Pape Matar Sarr – 7/10

A constant engine in the Tottenham midfield, even if a lot of his work goes unnoticed. Doesn’t always have the precision with the ball at his feet but becoming a key man for Tudor.

Archie Gray – 8.5/10

Slightly edged out for player of the match, the 20-year-old continues to lead Spurs with his performances and attitude. Dominated the midfield battle with his quality on the ball and tenacious tackling to win it. Rightfully given a rest for the final nine minutes after covering every blade of grass.

Xavi Simons – 9/10

One of the very few glimpses Spurs fans have had of the player they thought they signed. Simons grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and drove the ball at the heart of the Atleti defence all evening. A stunning first goal and match-winning penalty earns Simons man of the match and surely a place in Tudor’s team against Nottingham Forest.

Mathys Tel – 7.5/10

Along with Gray, Tel showed all the fight that Spurs will need for the remainder of the season. A huge what-if in the first half as the Frenchman shot rather than squaring the ball to the wide-open Gray and Kolo Muani.

Randal Kolo Muani – 7/10

The striker took his chance with a well-guided header to open the scoring. Could have made it a brace with a shot that was blocked in added time but delivered in the absence of Richarlison and Dominic Solanke.

Substitutes

Destiny Udogie – 5.5/10

Spurs will be glad to have their left back fit again, but Udogie felt off the pace of the game and conceded some cheap fouls to the diminutive Giuliano Simeone.

Lucas Bergvall – 6.5/10

A mild cameo with some flavoursome touches and turns, but Spurs fans will just be delighted to have their 2024/25 player of the season back for the crucial run-in.

Connor Gallagher – 6/10

A Simeone special as the former-Madrid man went to ground easily trying to win a penalty was the only moment of note in Gallagher’s nine minutes.

Kevin Danso – 6/10

Didn’t really have any defending to do after coming on, found himself in the opposition box more than his own as Spurs pushed for an unlikely comeback.

Callum Olusesi – 6/10

The teenager was rewarded for his impressive Premier League debut at Anfield with a first Champions League appearance. No key moments but certainly a memory to savour for the midfielder.