Tottenham player ratings vs Atletico Madrid: Archie Gray magnificent as Xavi Simons seizes chance | OneFootball

Spurs earned first victory under Igor Tudor but it was not enough in Champions League exit

Tottenham’s Champions League campaign was ended by Atletico Madrid but they were applauded off after a spirited 3-2 win in the second leg.

Spurs had a mountain to climb after a 5-2 defeat in Madrid but at more than one stage in north London they threatened to mount a memorable comeback.

Randal Kolo Muani headed in to open the scoring and Xavi Simons then restored the lead on the night after Julian Alvarez equalised.

David Hancko flicked in from a corner to effectively end Spurs’ hope, but a late Simons penalty gave them the second-leg win they probably deserved, even if it did end 7-5 on aggregate.

Matt Verri was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to rate the Spurs players...

Guglielmo Vicario 7

Sensational save to keep out Guiliano Simeone’s deflected strike, a stop that the slow-motion replays did not do justice to. Also sharp to tip over a dipping free-kick from Alvarez.

Radu Dragusin 6

Surprisingly lined up at right-back. Limited in possession and did not get forward. Had some good moments defensively but increasingly left Spurs exposed down their right.

Cristian Romero 8

Crucial clearance stopped Lookman having a tap-in and saved Djed Spence’s blushes with another last-ditch block. Too aggressive when scything Alexnader Sorloth down and perhaps fortunate to avoid second yellow soon after, but he fought tirelessly.

Leader: Cristian Romero

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Micky van de Ven 7

Monstrous challenge on Matteo Ruggeri in the second half when he was about to shoot. On a couple of other occasions was too rash in going to ground. Helped create some stoppage-time chaos in the Atletico box.

Djed Spence 7

Linked up really nicely with Mathys Tel on the left, particularly in the first half. At times a bit too confident on the ball and played Spurs into trouble, but great effort to get back and stop last-gasp Atletico counter.

Pedro Porro 6

Advanced role on the right but meant he was rarely in the best position to cross, instead laying the ball back. Big chance to make it 3-1 was saved - could have changed the tie.

Pape Matar Sarr 6

Caught out at the near post as Hancko got in front to flick a header in. Felt like Archie Gray was holding the midfield together by himself at times with the Senegalese far less influential.

Archie Gray 9

Bossed the midfield. Mopped up the loose balls and so powerful in possession, creating the chance for Simons to curl in and make it 2-1. Incredible engine and deserved the huge ovation he got.

Boss: Archie Gray

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Xavi Simons 8

Always looked to commit the Atletico players. Lovely ball played in Tel in the first half and then a wonderful curled finish to give Spurs hope again. Got his second by winning and converting a late penalty. Created five chances, the most of any player.

Randal Kolo Muani 7

Powerful header gave Spurs their lift-off moment and he threw his body around, giving the Atletico defenders plenty to think about. Had to score in stoppage-time to set up grandstand finish but shot was saved.

Mathys Tel 7

Looked full of confidence in the first half, running at Nahuel Molina at every opportunity and getting the better of him. But had to either score or square it when clean through. Not as effective in the second half.

Substitutes:

Destiny Udogie (Dragusin 66’) 5

Booked for a late challenge and then tripped his man out wide, but avoided a second yellow.

Lucas Bergvall (Porro 74’) 6

Big positive to have him available again. Snapped into challenges and put some nice balls into the box without reward.

Callum Olusesi (Tel 81’) 6

One nice burst as he linked up with Simons. Good week for him coming on at Anfield and now in the Champions League knockout stage.

Kevin Danso (Romero 81’) 6

Brought on to give Romero a bit of a rest and Spurs naturally lost a bit of intensity at the back.

Conor Gallagher (Gray 81’) 6

Hardly had a kick but did well to make the squad after suffering with a nasty virus and asthma issues.