Tottenham’s Champions League Route: Atletico, Arsenal Derby Path 2026

Key Points

• Tottenham Hotspur qualified automatically for the Champions League knockout stage by finishing fourth in the league phase, behind Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool, with 17 points from eight matches.​
• Spurs secured their spot with a 2-0 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany last month, where Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke scored the goals.​
• Thomas Frank has been sacked as Tottenham manager after a poor run in the Premier League, where the team is battling relegation, sitting just five or eight points above the drop zone depending on reports.
• Igor Tudor has been appointed as interim head coach until the end of the season, with his first game a 4-1 loss to Arsenal in the north London derby.
• Tottenham will face Atletico Madrid in the last-16 tie, the tougher of two possible opponents (the other being Galatasaray), with the second leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday, 18 March, kick-off 8pm UK.
• Atletico Madrid advanced by defeating Club Brugge 7-4 on aggregate in the knockout phase, highlighted by Alexander Sorloth’s first Champions League hat-trick in the second leg.
• A win over Atletico would lead to a quarter-final against either Barcelona or Newcastle United.
• Potential semi-final opponent is Arsenal, creating the possibility of a historic north London derby in the Champions League semi-finals.
• The final is at the Puskas Arena in Budapest at the end of May, where Tottenham could face Bayern Munich, PSG (holders), Real Madrid, or Manchester City as underdogs.
• Last season, Tottenham won the Europa League, and they aim for back-to-back European titles amid domestic struggles.
• Spurs drew the tougher bracket path, contrasting with perceptions of Arsenal’s favourable draw.​
• Igor Tudor has described the Tottenham job as the biggest challenge of his career, aiming to avoid relegation.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (North London News) February 28, 2026 – Tottenham Hotspur face a daunting path to the Champions League final after being drawn against Atletico Madrid in the last-16, with a potential north London derby semi-final against Arsenal looming large. Spurs qualified for the knockout rounds by finishing fourth in the league phase, but managerial turmoil and Premier League relegation fears have intensified the stakes for interim boss Igor Tudor. The club, last season’s Europa League winners, now eye a historic double amid their toughest European draw yet.

What is Tottenham’s immediate challenge in the Champions League last-16?

Tottenham will confront Atletico Madrid in the Champions League round of 16, a tie confirmed in the draw on February 27, 2026. As reported by the Evening Standard, this represents the most difficult of the two outcomes for Spurs, who could have faced Galatasaray instead. The first leg is away in Spain, with the second leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Wednesday, 18 March at 8pm UK, granting Spurs home advantage in the return fixture due to their fourth-placed league phase finish.

Atletico Madrid earned their spot by overcoming Club Brugge 7-4 on aggregate in the knockout play-off round. As detailed by BBC Sport, Norwegian striker Alexander Sorloth scored his first Champions League hat-trick, opening the scoring with a half-volley in the 23rd minute from a long pass by goalkeeper Jan Oblak, before adding two more in the final 14 minutes at the Wanda Metropolitano. Diego Simeone’s side, having faced English opposition earlier this season, can focus fully on Europe as LaLiga success appears unlikely.​

Spurs supporters had hoped for Galatasaray, despite Victor Osimhen’s form, as noted by Cartilage Free Captain’s analysis, which highlighted Tottenham invariably drawing the tougher option in knockouts. Historically, Tottenham beat Atletico 5-1 in the 1963 European Winners’ Cup final, with Jimmy Greaves scoring twice, but recent meetings are scarce.

Why was Thomas Frank sacked at Tottenham?

Thomas Frank was sacked by Tottenham after just eight months in charge, following a woeful run of two wins in 17 Premier League games, leaving Spurs five points above the relegation zone. As reported by Sky Sports, Frank’s tenure ended after a defeat to Newcastle United, with the team struggling to score, defend, and show creativity amid injuries.

In his final press conference, Frank stated, “1000 percent sure” he was the right man, urging unity: “We can only overcome this by working together—board, leaders, players, staff, and fans.” Captain Cristian Romero’s social media complaints about a “stretched” squad and a subsequent red card against Manchester United added pressure, though Frank defended him. Brentford’s former boss had guided Spurs to Europa League glory last season but couldn’t replicate domestic form.

Who is Igor Tudor and what does he bring to Tottenham?

Igor Tudor was appointed interim head coach until season’s end, confirmed by Tottenham and ESPN sources. The former Juventus and Lazio manager, known for mid-season recoveries in Italy, steps in post-Frank. His debut was a 4-1 north London derby loss to league leaders Arsenal on February 22 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

As quoted by Arab News, Tudor said ensuring relegation avoidance is “the hardest challenge of his career,” with Spurs last relegated in 1977/78. ESPN reports talks progressed quickly, with Tudor identified for his vast experience, including a seven-month Juventus stint. Tudor admitted to ESPN the job is his “biggest challenge,” vowing to turn things around.

How did Tottenham qualify for the Champions League knockout stage?

Tottenham secured automatic qualification with a 2-0 win at Eintracht Frankfurt on January 27, 2026, finishing fourth behind Arsenal, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool on 17 points from eight league phase matches. Sky Sports reported Randal Kolo Muani scored the opener a day after a minor car accident, with substitute Dominic Solanke sealing it in the 77th minute against the already-eliminated hosts.

This contrasted sharply with domestic woes, as Thomas Frank’s side sat 14th in the Premier League, eight points above relegation. The victory gave second-leg home advantage in last-16 and quarters. Tottenham Hotspur’s official site confirmed the knockout path post-draw.

What is Tottenham’s full route to the Champions League final?

Victory over Atletico Madrid leads to a quarter-final against Barcelona or Newcastle United. The Evening Standard outlined: quarter-finals vs Barcelona; semi-finals vs Arsenal; final vs Bayern Munich, PSG, Real Madrid, or Manchester City. A semi-final north London derby would be historic, with Spurs desperate for revenge after 4-1 league losses this season.

Spurs Web echoed the Arsenal semi-final potential, urging focus round-by-round. Hotspur HQ called it a path to salvage a “miserable” season, eyeing back-to-back European titles. The final is in Budapest’s Puskas Arena end-May, where Tottenham would be massive underdogs against bracket favourites like Bayern.

Yahoo Sports noted all six English teams’ paths, with Spurs on the “favourable” side despite giants ahead. Football.London warned of Atletico’s threat, referencing Spurs’ 5-1 1963 win. Tudor must navigate this amid relegation battle, blending Europa success with Champions League ambition.

Can Tottenham win back-to-back European titles?

As last season’s Europa League winners, Tottenham eye a unique double. Despite Premier League struggles, their European form under Frank was strong, qualifying top-four. Tudor’s arrival adds uncertainty, but his Italian rescues offer hope.

Challenges abound: Atletico’s Sorloth firepower, potential Barcelona/ Arsenal clashes, and final heavyweights. Fan sites like Cartilage Free Captain bemoan the tough draw, but qualification proves resilience. Spurs’ European history, including 1963 triumph, fuels optimism.

The club fights dual battles: Champions League glory and Premier League survival. Tudor’s interim role tests his mettle, with success potentially securing permanence. As Budapest beckons, Tottenham’s route demands upsets, unity, and fortune.