Tottenham exited the Champions League at the hands of Atletico Madrid on Wednesday night
Guglielmo Vicario says Tottenham can take confidence from their 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid despite falling short of completing one of the Champions League’s great comebacks, insisting the performance proved what his side are capable of.
Spurs won on the night but went out 7-5 on aggregate, a Xavi Simons penalty in the 89th minute adding a late flourish to a display full of character.
Vicario himself was one of the evening’s standout performers, producing a remarkable stoppage-time double save in the first half to keep the hosts ahead, and the Italian was in reflective mood afterwards.
“It was a game of moments and we were close to going over the edge,” he told TNT Sports. “We had a lot of situations in the first half and we could’ve gone to the break at 2-0. There are a lot of positives to take from tonight and we showed what we need to show every game.”
Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani had been outstanding throughout, with Tel’s delivery for Kolo Muani’s header and Simons’ two-goal return off the bench the highlights of a night that showcased exactly what Tudor’s side can produce at their best.
Vicario was keen to draw a direct line between the performance and the weeks ahead.
“It’s a good build-up into the next games and gives us a lot of confidence. We are very proud of what we did tonight but of course we are disappointed we didn’t go through, but the important thing is we have got energy and freshness.”
“We fought hard, a lot of duels won, ground duels, aerial duels, second balls. The team is in a better physical place and we kept running until the last second and we had the energy of the fans, we had unbelievable support.”
With Tottenham still battling to avoid relegation, the timing of the performance could prove crucial for morale.
Vicario acknowledged the significance of the young players stepping up when it mattered. “It’s good to see the young players when they have to stand up, they do it in this way, so I’m very proud of them and we will need them in the last games of the season.
“We have eight games until the end of the season and everyone will be crucial. We need everyone behind us and this kind of support in good times and bad times.”
Tottenham face Nottingham Forest at the weekend in a six-pointer in the battle to beat the drop.
