Oblak was a late scratch in the LaLiga EA Sports match against Getafe on March 14. During the final training session before that game, he experienced discomfort in his side, and medical tests later confirmed a muscle strain that has kept him sidelined since then.

Atletico Madrid aim to protect the 5-2 lead they built in the first leg. Oblak, meanwhile, is still considered doubtful for the upcoming LaLiga derby against Real Madrid on Sunday.

Who replaces Oblak?

The moment has arrived for Juan Musso, 31, who has proven to be a reliable backup when called upon. Whether in Copa del Rey matches over the past two seasons or in four LaLiga appearances where he kept clean sheets, Musso now steps into a much larger role for Atletico Madrid.

However, he won’t have to deal with Richarlison, who isn’t playing for Tottenham due to yellow card accumulation.

Other key absences for Simeone

The squad list released by Diego Simeone for this Champions League clash against Tottenham at the Metropolitano includes several absences due to injury, with Oblak, Barrios, and Mendoza all unavailable. These setbacks force Atletico Madrid to adjust as they look to close out the series. Here’s Simeone’s final list:

• Goalkeepers: Juan Musso, Salvi Esquivel, Maria De Luis.
• Defenders: Jose Gimenez, Clement Lenglet, David Hancko, Marc Pubill, Le Normand, Mateo Ruggeri, Nahuel Molina, Julio Diaz.
• Midfielders: Johnny Cardoso, Koke, Alejandro Baena, Marcos Llorente, Giuliano Simeone, Thiago Almadas, Obed Vargas, Nico Gonzales.
• Forwards: Antoine Griezmann, Ademola Lookman, Alexander Sorloth, Julian Alvarez.

Atletico confirmed lineup

Atletico Madrid start with the following lineup against Tottenham: Musso, Molina, Hancko, Le Normand, Ruggeri, Cardoso, Llorente, Giovanni Simeone, Lookman, Griezmann, Alvarez.

The Brazilian was cautioned during the first leg in Spain, a blow that leaves the Spurs without their primary spark as they attempt to overturn a daunting aggregate deficit.

Deprived of the versatile forward, Tottenham enter Wednesday’s home fixture needing a near-impossible offensive output to keep their European ambitions alive.

Trailing 5-2 on aggregate, Spurs are hunting for a miracle comeback to avoid a similar fate to Chelsea, who saw their own European campaign dismantled by Paris Saint-Germain at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday night.

Atletico Madrid arrive in London intent on protecting their three-goal cushion, likely leaning on the disciplined, low-block structure that has defined the Simeone era.

Who starts for the suspended Richarlison?

With his options limited, Igor Tudor is turning to Randal Kolo Muani to lead the line and provide the clinical edge missing in Richarlison’s absence.

Richarlison’s suspension caps a frustrating campaign for the Brazilian, who only returned to the squad in January after an extended injury layoff.

His absence is yet another hurdle for a Tottenham side that has struggled for consistency while navigating one of the most severe injury crises in the Premier League this season.

Tottenham injury report

The selection headache extends beyond the frontline, as Dominic Solanke is also sidelined after picking up a knock. The full list of confirmed absentees for tonight’s pivotal second leg includes:

• Joao Palhinha – Concussion Protocol
• Dominic Solanke – Hip injury
• James Maddison – Knee (ACL – Season-long)
• Dejan Kulusevski – Knee (Long-term)
• Mohammed Kudus – Thigh (Expected return after Int’l break)
• Yves Bissouma – Muscle Strain
• Rodrigo Bentancur – Hamstring (Severe)
• Ben Davies – Ankle
• Wilson Odobert – Knee (ACL)

[Watch Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid online in the US on DAZN]

What looked like one of the most evenly matched series quickly turned into one of the most controversial matchups of the round. Atletico Madrid delivered a commanding 5–2 victory, but much of the spotlight fell on Tottenham Hotspur after a stunning early decision from manager Igor Tudor.

The head coach replaced his starting goalkeeper just minutes into the game following a pair of costly mistakes. The move sent shockwaves through Spurs and set the tone for a chaotic night, leaving the English side with a daunting deficit to overcome in the return leg while Atletico push to finish the job and punch their ticket to the quarterfinals.

When will the Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid match be played?

Tottenham take on Atletico Madrid this Wednesday, March 18, in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16. The game is set to kick off at 4:00 PM (ET).

Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid: Time by State in the USA

ET: 4:00 PM
CT: 3:00 PM
MT: 2:00 PM
PT: 1:00 PM

How to watch Tottenham vs Atletico Madrid in the USA

Get ready for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League clash between Tottenham and Atletico Madrid. Catch all the action live on DAZN. Other options: Paramount+.

The tie resumes with a 5-2 aggregate score in favor of the Spanish side. From a competitive standpoint, the equation is already clear before kickoff, as Igor Tudor‘s men must significantly cut into the deficit to keep their campaign alive.

Meanwhile, Atletico enter the match with a margin that allows for multiple favorable outcomes. With UEFA no longer applying the away goals rule, qualification depends entirely on the aggregate score across both legs.

What happens if Tottenham beat Atletico Madrid today?

If Tottenham win, they only qualify if they overturn the three-goal aggregate deficit; otherwise, Atletico Madrid still advance. After losing the first leg 5-2, they must win by at least three goals just to force extra time, or by four goals to advance directly.

For example, a 3-0 win would level the aggregate at 5-5 and send the match to extra time, since the away goals rule no longer applies in the UEFA Champions League. A 4-0, 5-1, or any win by four or more goals would complete a comeback and send Spurs through to the quarterfinals.

What happens if Tottenham and Atletico Madrid tie?

If Tottenham and Atletico draw, Madrid qualify for the quarterfinals. Because Diego Simeone‘s men already hold an aggregate lead, any draw in the second leg automatically sends them through.

There is no scenario where a tie benefits Tottenham, regardless of the scoreline. Whether it’s 0-0, 1-1, or even a high-scoring draw, the Spanish side would maintain their aggregate advantage and eliminate Spurs.

What happens if Tottenham lose to Atletico Madrid today?

If Tottenham lose, they are eliminated and Atletico Madrid advance comfortably to the quarterfinals. Any defeat in the second leg would extend Atletico’s aggregate advantage beyond the current scoreline.

A loss would end Igor Tudor’s team’s Champions League campaign immediately, with no second chances in the knockout stage. Even a narrow defeat would underline the gap created in the first leg, where Atletico built a commanding lead.

[Watch Liverpool vs Tottenham online in the US on Peacock Premium]

One of the standout matchups of the Premier League weekend features Liverpool meeting Tottenham in a game with major stakes for both sides. The Reds remain in the hunt for a UEFA Champions League spot and urgently need three points to climb back into the qualification race.

On the other hand, Tottenham arrive in the middle of a rough stretch that has pulled them dangerously close to the relegation zone. With pressure mounting on both clubs, this is a must-watch clash fans won’t want to miss.

When will the Liverpool vs Tottenham match be played?

Liverpool face Tottenham this Sunday, March 15, for the 2025/2026 Premier League Matchday 30. Kickoff is set for 12:30 PM (ET).

Liverpool vs Tottenham: Time by State in the USA

ET: 12:30 PM
CT: 11:30 AM
MT: 10:30 AM
PT: 9:30 AM

How to watch Liverpool vs Tottenham in the USA

Catch all the action of the 2025/2026 Premier League clash between Liverpool and Tottenham in the USA on Peacock Premium. Other options: NBCSN.

“That was hard to watch; I sent that guy a private message,” Courtois said during a pitch-side interview following Madrid’s 3–0 win over Manchester City. “I’ve also made mistakes at Atletico and Chelsea. When I got nutmegged twice by Messi, I got a lot of flack too. I told him to see it as a learning experience. He has talent and needs to keep working hard”.

Courtois’ reference to the double nutmeg dates back to the 2017–18 Champions League Round of 16, when Barcelona defeated Chelsea 3–0. After a 1–1 draw in the first leg, a dominant performance by Messi—and a night to forget for Courtois—saw the English side eliminated.

During his post-match press conference, Courtois also recalled the 2019 Round of 16 clash against Ajax, where Real Madrid suffered a surprising 4–1 defeat at the Santiago Bernabeu, a match that saw the Belgian veteran face intense media scrutiny.

A rare tactical move by Igor Tudor

When the electronic board on the sidelines signaled that Tottenham‘s No. 31 was coming off for Guglielmo Vicario (No. 1), the Riyadh Air Metropolitano fell into a state of total shock. A tactical goalkeeper substitution just 15 minutes into a match is a nearly unprecedented occurrence, especially in a tournament as prestigious as the UEFA Champions League.

Following the match, Tottenham manager Igor Tudor explained why he subbed off Kinsky early in the game. Tudor admitted that in all his years of coaching professional soccer, he had never encountered or executed a similar mid-game change under such circumstances.

“I’ve been coaching for 15 years and I’ve never dealt with a situation like this. It’s incredible,” Tudor said. “Before the game, starting Kinsky was the right decision. After the game, it’s easy to say otherwise. He is a great kid and a great goalkeeper, but we looked fragile and weak at the start, and I had to make a change”.

It was a very difficult moment in the match and particularly for Kinsky’s career. The goalkeeper shared a message on social media thanking fans for their support. “Thanks for messages. From dream to nightmare to dream again. See you,” Kinsky wrote.

It was a situation rarely seen at this level, reminiscent of what happened to Loris Karius and Liverpool in the 2018 UEFA Champions League Final against Real Madrid. Two of the goals conceded came from clear mistakes by the goalkeeper, including errors while attempting to play the ball with his feet.

Beyond being a psychologically difficult moment, Kinsky also received messages of support, including one from former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea. However, the situation also generated memes and reactions after he was substituted during the match. The incident quickly spread across social media, bringing a wave of criticism and mockery that could also affect the player on a psychological level.

What will happen with Kinsky?

Following the match, Tottenham head coach Igor Tudor explained why he decided to replace Kinsky early in the game. The manager acknowledged that it was the first time he had made that decision, emphasizing that the move was intended to protect both the player and the team after the emotional blow he experienced on the field. It is also worth remembering that the decision to start Kinsky had been a significant gamble, as he had not played since October.

According to The Telegraph, Kinsky is now expected to seek a summer loan move away from Tottenham in an effort to rebuild his goalkeeping career. That situation could leave the Spurs needing to sign two goalkeepers by the end of the season, with the future of Guglielmo Vicario also in doubt as the club considers changes to the roster.

Kinsky joined Tottenham in January 2025 from Slavia Prague and had hoped to work his way toward becoming the club’s No. 1 goalkeeper by the start of next season. However, those plans now appear uncertain, with some sources even questioning whether Kinsky will be able to play for Spurs again after what happened in Madrid and the narrative that could follow him moving forward.

Tudor’s decision to sub off goalkeeper Kinsky after conceding three goals in 15 minutes shocked the entire soccer world. Tottenham found themselves down 3-0, away from home, sitting on the brink of elimination, and with their goalkeeper clearly fazed. Thus, many believed it was a necessary substitution to make.

Now, the Spurs return home to North London down 5-2 in the round of 16 matchup against Atletico Madrid. To say they are up for a steep climb ahead of the second leg would be an understatement. Tottenham have pulled off miraculous comebacks in UEFA Champions League history before, but this seems like a mountain the club has never come across before.

Tudor doubles down on decision to start Kinsky

Asked to make his UEFA Champions League debut against Atletico Madrid in a knockout stage matchup in a hostile environment, it may have been all to much for the 22-year-old goalkeeper to process.

The signs were there, but Tudor believed Kinsky gave Tottenham a better chance than Vicario. After the game, he stood by his decision, even though he was proven wrong just 15 minutes into the match.

“Before the game, it was the right thing to do. It was the right choice in a moment like [the one] we are, with pressure on Vicario. It was for me the right decision,” Tudor stated. “After this happened, of course, it’s easy to say it wasn’t the right decision.”

Tudor spoke with Kinsky after the game

Tudor underwent much criticism on social media and television because he didn’t address Kinsky as the youngster walked off the pitch and into the tunnel at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano.

The sky came crashing down on the 22-year-old, and his manager wasn’t there to give him a hug, solace him, or give him any encouraging words. However, Tudor has now confirmed he held a private conversation with the goalkeeper after the game, away from all the cameras.

“I explained my decision to [Kinsky] after. He’s the right guy and a good goalkeeper. Unfortunately, these mistakes happened in this game,” Tudor concluded.

When do Tottenham and Atletico Madrid play again?

Tottenham Hotspur and Atletico Madrid will meet for the second leg of their round-of-16 matchup on March 18th at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. If Spurs want to mount an unforgettable—yet very improbable—comeback, they will need full support from their fans. However, as the team hasn’t won a home game since Jan. 20 (a 2–0 win over Borussia Dortmund), it’s safe to say the odds aren’t on Tottenham’s side.

De Gea’s message arrived shortly after Tottenham subbed off goalkeeper Kinsky after conceding three goals in 15 minutes against Atletico Madrid. The 22-year-old Czech was making his first ever start in the UEFA Champions League. Needless to say, he won’t forget about it anytime soon, though for the wrong reason.

Tottenham‘s struggles extend to the European level. The North London-based club is flirting with relegation in the 2025-26 Premier League campaign, and it is now in the brink of elimination after a disheartening performance in Madrid.

Romero may have called for Kinsky to be subbed-off

As Cristian Romero is the captain of Tottenham Hotspur, he serves as a leader on and off the pitch for Spurs. Thus, when things go south—as they have lately for Tottenham—the team looks to its skipper.

According to a video circulating on social media, even manager Igor Tudor listens to what Romero has to say. After Antonin Kinsky’s second blunder led directly to Atlético Madrid’s third goal, Romero held a brief chat with Tudor, who immediately signaled for a substitution.

Pending confirmation from Tudor or Romero, all signs indicate it was the captain who noticed his teammate was mentally out of the game and urged his manager to replace him before it was too late. For Tottenham’s aspirations in the 2025–26 UEFA Champions League, it very well may have been.

Coach Igor Tudor, seeing the situation, did not hesitate to make one of the most striking decisions in a long time. Kinsky was directly responsible for the goals conceded and was replaced by Vicario just 16 minutes into the match.

The goalkeeper’s reaction upon leaving the pitch was definitive: he headed straight for the locker room, clearly frustrated by the situation. It was truly something rarely seen on a field of play.

Mister Chip, through his X account, revealed a truly striking fact: For the first time in the entire history of the UEFA Champions League, a non-injured starting goalkeeper was substituted within the first 20 minutes of a match.

Funniest memes and reactions to Kinsky’s mistakes

[Watch Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham online in the US on DAZN]

With little left to fight for domestically, Atletico Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur (two rivals with a rich history in Europe) meet in the UEFA Champions League with a quarterfinal spot on the line.

Atletico have been inconsistent this season but stronger in Europe and enter in slightly better form, while Tottenham—struggling in the Premier League—see this tournament as their best chance to salvage the campaign.

When will the Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham match be played?

Atletico Madrid take on Tottenham this Tuesday, March 10, in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16. The game is set to kick off at 4:00 PM (ET).

Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham: Time by State in the USA

ET: 4:00 PM
CT: 3:00 PM
MT: 2:00 PM
PT: 1:00 PM

How to watch Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham in the USA

Get ready for the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League clash between Atletico Madrid and Tottenham. Catch all the action live on DAZN. Other options: Paramount+.