Credit: Manh Tung

Josh Edwards

Thu 19 March 2026 11:10, UK

Tottenham Hotspur secured a victory against Atletico Madrid on the night, but suffered an aggregate defeat, which saw them exit the Champions League.

For Spurs to have exited the only competition left in which they had a chance, albeit a minimal one at best, of winning a trophy, you’d expect the misery to still be lingering in the air.

But it isn’t, and that is because it was Tottenham’s first victory since 28 January, when they secured a 2-0 win over Frankfurt in the Champions League.

To have broken that miserable record will do wonders for the confidence of the squad, which will be crucial in the final eight games of the Premier League season.

Tottenham remain at risk of relegation, but their display against the LaLiga outfit should be enough to spark optimism that they can avoid it.

Stats show why Tottenham fans should be confident

Igor Tudor looked set for the sack weeks ago, but the latest victory, and his only one to date, could be enough to see him through until the end of the campaign.

Not just because of the win, but because of how improved their performance was in all aspects of the game.

When compared to the other games that Tudor has taken charge of, Tottenham just looked completely rejuvenated.

Their three big chances created were a major improvement to the 1.4 they have averaged per 90 in Tudor’s previous five games.

As showcased by the Sofascore graphic below, Spurs also recorded almost seven more shots on target against Diego Simeone’s side than they have managed since Tudor replaced Thomas Frank.

Possession and duel win rate aside, every aspect of their performance was much improved, and that puts them in a good place to avoid relegation.

Sunday’s clash with Nottingham Forest could decide it all

Heading into this weekend’s clash with Forest, Spurs sit just one point above the drop zone.

If West Ham secure victory against Villa, and Forest secure victory against Tottenham, then Tudor’s side will drop into the relegation zone with seven games to be played.

A relegation six-pointer is a term used a lot in football, but the importance of this game cannot be overstated.