Tottenham Hotspur have been described in Spain as Atletico Madrid’s “preferred” opponent in the Champions League draw – but there is a clear warning attached.
In a column for AS, journalist F.J. Diaz claims Atletico “have not come off badly from the draw. Quite the opposite”. However, he immediately adds context that will interest Spurs supporters.
According to Diaz, “supporters and players preferred Tottenham over Liverpool” in this round of 16 tie. The reasoning is simple. Liverpool are very familiar opponents for Atletico, while Spurs were seen as the more attractive option.
Even so, the Spanish journalist is uneasy about the narrative forming around the tie.
He writes: “Atletico can eliminate Tottenham, because they have the squad and the level to do so”. Yet he follows that with a clear warning: “I do not like, and surely Simeone does not either, that Atletico are being labelled as favourites.”
In fact, Diaz reminds readers that “whenever Atletico have been considered favourites, things have not gone entirely well.”
That caution speaks volumes about how Tottenham are viewed in Madrid.
Spurs still seen as Premier League heavyweights
Despite Tottenham’s domestic struggles, Diaz insists they remain “one of the big clubs in the Premier League, even if they are in the lower part of the table.”
So while Atletico may privately feel satisfied, the Spanish press are careful not to dismiss Igor Tudor’s side.
There is also added intrigue around two Tottenham players.
Conor Gallagher, who previously played for Atletico, will face his former club. Diaz notes that Gallagher did not succeed in Madrid, but “left a good memory at the Metropolitano.” That subplot ensures there is emotional edge to the tie.
Meanwhile, Cristian Romero was Atletico’s big objective in the last summer transfer window to strengthen the defence. According to the piece, Romero “did everything to come,” but the move ultimately failed.
Romero is lined up for a summer exit and Atleti remains as one of the suitors. Now he will line up against Diego Simeone, who reportedly fought hard to sign him.
What happens next
The Spanish narrative is revealing for Tottenham. On the surface, Atletico are pleased. Underneath, there is anxiety about carrying the favourite tag. AS make it clear that overconfidence has hurt Simeone’s side before.
Spurs may have been the preferred draw. However, in Spain there is no sense that this will be straightforward.
If anything, the warning from Madrid suggests Atletico know exactly what they are up against.
