Tottenham were in Champions League action at Atletico Madrid, where they lost 5–2 at the Wanda Metropolitano
22:08, 10 Mar 2026Updated 22:35, 10 Mar 2026
Joao Palhinha and Cristian Romero had to receive medical treatment after clashing heads
Tottenham ended their Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid down to nine men after a clash of heads between Joao Palhinha and Cristian Romero. It was a night to forget for Igor Tudor and Co, losing 5-2 in the first leg in Madrid.
To compound their misery, both Palhinha and Romero had to be withdrawn in stoppage time. The clash of heads left them down for several minutes as they received treatment.
Palhinha was taken off with concussion, and while Romero initially continued, he had to withdraw shortly after.
“They should have taken the two of them off,” TNT Sports commentator Ally McCoist said.
Joao Palhinha receiving medical treatment
“We’ve seen that about three or four times, and there is nothing that I saw there that wouldn’t indicate to me that both players shouldn’t be off the pitch, to tell you the truth, because it was a sickening clash.
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However, the damage had already been done earlier, with Spurs conceding three goals in 15 minutes. Tudor then substituted Antonin Kinsky for Guglielmo Vicario after the youngster endured a torrid performance.
The Spurs No.2 had been picked ahead of Vicario, but a disastrous 14‑minute spell, with two of the goals stemming from his own errors, led to him being brought off.
“I chose today what I think is best for the team in this moment,” Tudor said ahead of the game on his decision to start Kinsky. “Today there are five changes, but the game is long. There is space for everyone.”
Spurs’ focus will now turn to Sunday’s league clash at Liverpool before the second‑leg tie against Atletico in north London next week.
It is a huge task on both fronts, as they are fighting relegation in the Premier League and trail the Spanish side by three goals.
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