Tottenham Hotspur face a daunting challenge on Wednesday night, as they host Atletico Madrid in the return leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, aiming to pull off a dramatic comeback in front of their home crowd.MATCHDAY 🌟🆚 Atletico Madrid🏟️ @SpursStadium🏆 @ChampionsLeague⏰ 8pm GMT pic.twitter.com/eGe4lrOWnR— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) March 18, 2026 A heavy 5-2 defeat in Madrid has left Spurs with a mountain to climb if they want to reach the quarter-finals. Still, there was a much-needed boost at the weekend, as a late equaliser from Richarlison secured a point against Liverpool FC, ending a six-game losing streak. The team, currently under the guidance of interim boss Igor Tudor, showed clear signs of improvement after the disappointing first leg.The first leg in Madrid was defined by a bold switch made by the Tottenham coach, who, after conceding three goals by the 17th minute, took goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky off the pitch and replaced him with Guglielmo Vicario.FALSE 10: Chin up, gloves on – the game has just begunHowever, ahead of this match, Tudor has been focusing more on the Premier League situation than on the game against the Spanish side. He was thus ready with a response when asked whether this match is simply a way to boost confidence ahead of the relegation battle awaiting him in the Premier League."Both things. It is a game which we should play to pass. Our first thing is to stay in the league, but tomorrow is a big challenge to show we can do good things and show that they are not better than us."Tottenham remain deeply involved in a relegation fight domestically, yet their focus briefly shifts to Europe, where they will attempt what would be a remarkable turnaround. While the odds are stacked against them, football has often delivered the unexpected—and Spurs will hope to write their own unlikely story.History, however, doesn’t offer much comfort. Tottenham have struggled against Spanish opposition in UEFA competitions, while Atletico boast a strong record in two-legged ties against English sides. The visitors have also been particularly effective in the Champions League knockout stages, often striking first—something that could prove decisive again.Despite their advantage, Atletico have not been flawless this season. Diego Simeone is overseeing a period of transition, and vulnerabilities remain within his squad. Still, they arrive in London on the back of a narrow win over Getafe, with extra recovery time potentially working in their favour—though travel fatigue could play a role.Spurs’ task is made even harder by a long list of absentees. They will, however, welcome back Micky van de Ven after suspension. Missing the clash are Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Lucas Bergvall, Ben Davies, Mohammed Kudus, Rodrigo Bentancur, Dejan Kulusevski, James Maddison and Wilson Odobert due to various issues.On the other side, Atletico will be without first-choice goalkeeper Jan Oblak, meaning Juan Musso is set to start. Rodrigo Mendoza remains unavailable, while Pablo Barrios will undergo a late fitness check, but otherwise the Spanish side have minimal concerns heading into the tie.UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE – ROUND OF 16Return legTuesdaySporting – Bodo 5-0 (1-0) AET/Inacio 34, Goncalves 61, Suarez 78 pen, Araujo 92, Nel 120+1/Sporting win 5-3 on aggArsenal – Leverkusen 2-0 (1-0)/Eze 36, Rice 63/Arsenal win 3-1 on aggChelsea – PSG 0-3 (0-2)/Kvaratskhelia 6, Barcola 14, Mayulu 62/PSG win 8-2 on aggManchester City – Real Madrid 1-2 (1-1)/Haaland 41 – Vinicius 22 pen, 90+3/Real Madrid 5-1 on aggWednesday20.45: (1.57) Barcelona (4.65) Newcastle (5.00) 23.00: (1.35) Bayern (5.30) Atalanta (8.00) 23.00: (1.30) Liverpool (6.10) Galatasaray (8.50) 23.00: (2.60) Tottenham (3.75) Atl.Madrid (2.65)***odds are subject to change***