Credit: Tunh Manh Phan/Breaking Media

Cameron Smith

Mon 9 March 2026 19:10, UK

Spanish football expert Ben Sully has outlined how Tottenham Hotspur could pick up a shock Champions League victory against Atletico Madrid.

Spurs travel to the Metropolitano having embarked on a winless run stretching back to December 2025.

Since then, Thomas Frank has been sacked and replaced by Igor Tudor, who now remains under pressure following a run of three successive defeats at the helm.

Opponents Atleti sit third in La Liga, having also secured their place in the Copa del Rey final.

Ahead of the tough test in Madrid, Tottenham News spoke to Spanish football expert Sully to get the lowdown on Los Colchoneros.

Spurs will look to capitalise on Atleti inconsistency

Diego Simeone’s side secured their spot in the Spanish Cup final recently, beating league leaders Barcelona 4-3 over two legs.

Though the clash itself was rather indicative of Atleti’s inconsistent term itself, with the Catalan giants coming close to overturning a four-goal deficit from the first leg.

On their season as a whole, Sully said: “Atleti have struggled with inconsistency throughout most of the season, and that has been true in the last month or so.

“That said, they are capable of producing their best in important games, which was demonstrated by their breathtaking performances in the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Real Betis and in the semi-final first leg against Barcelona.”

On the potential setup, Sully said: “I believe Simeone will try to make a massive dent in the tie in the first leg. Atleti are a different beast at the Metropolitano, and they will want to make full use of that advantage before heading over to England.

“It will not be reckless, but Simeone will want his team to be aggressive and on the front foot from the outset, similar to their electric first-half against Barcelona last month.”

Simeone was placed in charge of the club back in 2011 and has turned the club into a consistent challenger across Spain and Europe. Though the current campaign has been a frustrating one for supporters.

“I think the fans have been underwhelmed with the club’s LaLiga campaign, which has been defined by inconsistent performances and results,” added Sully.

“But the supporters will overlook the club’s failure to mount a challenge if they lift the Copa del Rey for the first time since 2013 and go deep into the Champions League.”

Atleti will face Real Sociedad on 18 April, with Seville’s Estadio de La Cartuja hosting the final.

Who do Tottenham fans need to keep an eye on?

It has been a dismal year for Tottenham, but they have performed well in the Champions League – securing a fourth-place finish despite the ongoing league struggles.

Though the level of opposition only goes up from here on in.

“Julian Alvarez has struggled for goals in 2026, but he has enjoyed success in the Champions League this season, and is the type of player who could take the tie away from Spurs if he plays anywhere near his best,” said Sully, earmarking the former Manchester City forward as the danger man for Simeone.

“Antoine Griezmann has put a move to MLS on hold, and will still play an important role, whether as a starter or off the bench. He’s put in some strong performances as of late, and his intelligence on the ball will be key to creating chances.”

The experienced Griezmann is heavily linked with a move to Orlando City over the summer, after scoring 12 times and registering three assists across all competitions this term.

It was also noted that Atleti “will look to make full use of Giuliano Simeone’s running power, so do not be surprised to see them attack regularly down the right flank.”

Importantly, Spurs fans will be excited to find out that: “This Atleti team is not like one of the strong defensive sides from the early Simeone era.

“They can be made to look vulnerable and will offer up chances if Spurs can apply the pressure in the final third.”

With Tottenham looking to save their season, a run in the Champions League could see them gain serious momentum across both league and Europe – starting with a trip to the Metropolitano to face Atletico Madrid.