Champions League: Spanish papers react as Tottenham crush Real Madrid
A couple of weeks ago there was praise for Maurico Pochettino’s tactics as he went to the Santiago Bernabeu and came away with a crucial point. It was billed as Harry Kane’s audition for the biggest stage – how many does the guy need to have? – and another one he passed. Real Madrid weren’t at their best but it was a defensive masterclass from Tottenham to keep Cristiano Ronaldo and company quiet.
READ MORE: Ronaldo – Look me up on Google, I score a lot of goals
READ MORE: Kane – Tottenham can beat ANYONE
READ MORE: Alli – don’t be shocked Spurs beat Real Madrid
So what do the Spanish press make of Tottenham’s 3-1 victory at Wembley? Was it a question of Spurs being too good or Real Madrid being poor? Is it now Dele Alli who is their number one target in the summer? Is Pochettino the favourite to replace Zinedine Zidane? Let’s have a look.
AS – “Nightmare at Wembley”
The subheading on the frontpage states that Pochettino ‘beat’ Zidane once again when it came to tactics. Inside, Alfredo Relaño says that Zidane’s suit is collecting more and more stains. The issue, for him, is Real Madrid’s failure to adapt when teams play with three central defenders.
Other issues for Relaño is Madrid’s current starting XI. Maybe some of them are no longer picked on merit and aren’t performing as they should. The one exception to this rule being Isco, but he can’t do it all by himself. Spurs were also praised for having more ‘passion’ than Madrid. They weren’t afraid to mix up good football with physicality, something the Spaniards failed to do. Well, until Sergio Ramos and Mousa Dembele exchanged fouls.
There’s also parts on Luka Modric and Toni Kroos losing their grip on games when it comes to controlling the midfield. With Spurs having Winks and Dier, before Toby Alderweireld went off, to add bite as well as Eriksen and Alli, they had more energy than Madrid and forced Madrid into losing possession.
Kane: “A fantastic striker even without scoring. He created space, unsettled the defenders, combined (with the midfield) and fought (for every ball). A jewel.” On Alli: “A very interesting young talent. A master at playing between the lines and finding space.”
Tottenham: hungrier and better prepared
Controversial columnist, Tomas Roncero, said a key difference was the hunger shown by one team and a lack of it by the other. Kroos and Benzema the ones pulled up for their tepid displays.
Spain’s equilivent to Gary Neville when it comes to analysis is Julio Maldonado. He, too, was full of praise for Tottenham and in particular, Pochettino. “(He) always adapts to each game depending on the cirumstances.” He points to Dier being in midfield to free up Winks, only to then shuffle his pack and put Sissoko in midfield which further unsettled Madrid. Maldonado says Kane was far from his best but still made a telling contribution. The star, for him, was Eriksen who got everything right.
“A very good Tottenham won, a brilliant team tactically and with various players enjoying the best moment of their careers. A team which has now won the respect of everyone.”
MARCA – “The alarm bells are ringing”
There’s a wonderful line about Kane batting away his markers like an elephant does flies. In Jose Felix Diaz’s section, he talks about Pochettino and his desire to leave his mark on the Champions League. “The whole world now knows about his existence and the capabilities of his team.”
Diaz goes into more detail about what he likes about Spurs and how they play. “Pochettino and his team don’t know how to play in any way other than to be entertaining. They did it at the Bernabeu. The difference was Alli because the rest was the same. I mean, the superior technicality and physical of one team compared to the other but it was the presence of the Englishman which was decisive.”
Of course it wouldn’t be a Tottenham victory without a weak link to a future transfer story. “We hope Florentino, after his disappointment, will have taken advantage of the trip to Wembley to sign Kane.” More wishful thinking that inside information, that one.
SPORT – “Aimless”
Once more, the praise is mainly reserved for Pochettino and how he set up his side to play. “Tottenham played with a non-stop intensity, giving Madrid no time to think or breathe.” They said Zidane’s team were mere spectators, incapable of changing anything despite a switch in system after the break.
As SPORT are based in Barcelona the majority of their coverage is dedicated to ripping apart Madrid’s performance instead of tipping their hats to Spurs.
Mundo Deportivo – “Complete Crisis”
Not so surprisingly, also from up in Barcelona, they are certain this is a major crisis facing Real Madrid. The loss at Girona was a diabolical performance but, while better against Spurs, they were largely second best. “No one wants to use that word (‘crisis’) in Madrid because until now, their Champions League form has hidden their poor start to LaLiga. But after the heavy defeat to Tottenham, there are no excuses left to cover this up. It’s a crisis in every sense of the word.”
What Real Madrid said about Spurs
“We played against a better team and we have to accept it. It’s as simple as that. We didn’t play badly because we had chances to equalise. But, as has been the case recently, we didn’t find the goal.”
“In the dressing room the players aren’t happy. It was a tough defeat but at the same time you have to say Tottenham deserve their victory.”
When asked if Spurs could win the Champions League: “Any team could win it – and that includes Tottenham. This was a final, the final of the group, and we lost.”
Not quite the final of the group, Zizou, but a significant one in terms of who will finish top of it.
Former Tottenham player Luka Modric agreed with his coach. “I believe Tottenham deserved to win, they were much better than us.”
Nacho Fernandez, who came in to the side as a replacement for Varane, was also respectful to the North London side. “You fix this (bad spell) with hard work. Tottenham are an incredible side.”
Sergio Ramos felt the scoreline flattered Spurs. “The result can be a little deceiving, although I don’t want to take anything away from Tottenham. They’re a great tean, with a great stadium and wonderful support which drives them on.”
Important stats
This was Real Madrid’s first defeat in 30 matches in the group stages of the Champions League. The last time they lost was five years ago, away at Dortmund.
3-1 is the highest defeat for Real Madrid under Zidane. They’ve only lost nine matches under the Frenchman.
Marcelo lost the ball 29 times last night. The other chief culprits at Wembley were Toni Kroos and Achraf, both losing possession 17 times each.
