Tottenham vs Real Madrid - as it happened: Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen secure historic European victory
Re-live the action from Tottenham's thrilling 3-1 victory over Real Madrid at Wembley
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Your support makes all the difference.Tottenham host Real Madrid at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday night hoping to welcome Harry Kane back into their starting XI.
This crucial clash with the European giants has been prefaced by two difficult games without their star striker. After the successive losses to West Ham in the League Cup and Manchester United in the Premier League, manager Mauricio Pochettino will be optimistic that the return of the talismanic forward will ensure he retains his record of never losing three in a row at Spurs.
The Argentine can also take heart from his side’s strong showing in the first-leg of this Group H double-header. Scrapping hard for a 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu two weeks ago, the north Londoners will now be looking to take the attack to their Spanish visitors at Wembley, knowing that a victory here would confirm their place in the knockout rounds, whilst a draw and another between Borussia Dortmund and APOEL would leave them needing only a single point from their two remaining games.
With this comparative lack of pressure, Spurs will be eager to have a go at Los Blancos on their (adopted) home turf, especially given Madrid’s indifferent start to the season. Losing 2-1 to league newbies Girona at the weekend, the reigning Liga champions now sit eight points adrift of Barcelona at the top of the table. They will also be forced to travel to London without both Raphael Varane and ex-Spurs forward Gareth Bale, who are both nursing muscular injuries.
Boosted by the very probable return of Kane, then, and with Dele Alli also returning from a three-match suspension, a rejuvenated Tottenham line-up will see tonight as the ideal opportunity to record a famous victory under the Wembley Arch.
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What time does it start?
Tottenham vs Real Madrid kicks off at 19:45 GMT.
Where can I watch it?
The match will be shown live on BT Sport 2 from 19:00. Highlights will be shown at 22:15 on BT Sport 2.
It’s a big game for…
Luka Modric: Although the spotlight has been on world-record signing Gareth Bale returning (or not, as it has transpired), to north London, we should not forget the diminutive midfielder, who will be making his first return to Spurs since departing in 2012. The usually metronomic Croatian was out-of-sorts against Girona, misplacing over 30% of his passes, and will be hoping for a strong recovery tonight.
Best stat…
1: Spurs have never beaten Madrid in their five competitive clashes, losing three times and drawing twice.
Remember when…
Madrid hosted Spurs in the quarter-finals of the competition in 2011. Two particular highlights include Peter Crouch getting two yellow cards within 14 minutes and – at about 3.27 – Sergio Ramos very nearly providing the assist of the century.
Player to watch out for…
Harry Kane: The latest player to join the Spurs to Madrid procession? The 24 year-old striker, amidst flattering comments from the Real hierarchy, has certainly been linked with a record-breaking move to the Spanish capital. If he does return for tonight, though, his mind will only be on one thing. Kane having a good night is the most sure-fire way that Spurs can create history.
Previous three meetings…
Real Madrid 1 (Ronaldo) Tottenham 1 (Varane (OG)), Champions League, October 2017
Tottenham 0 Real Madrid 1 (Ronaldo), Champions League, April 2011
Real Madrid 4 (Adebayor x2, Di Maria, Ronaldo) Tottenham 0, Champions League, April 2011
Form guide…
Tottenham: WWDWLL
Real Madrid: WWDWWL
Odds…
Tottenham: 28/13
Real Madrid: 23/18
Draw: 28/11
(Odds provided by 888 Sport)
14' - What a cross! Kieran Trippier fizzes a volleyed cross across the face of Kiko Casilla's goal but Dele Alli pays the price for not gambling as the ball goes behind for a goal-kick.
Alli would've had a tap-in there if he'd made the run at the far post.
20' - Jan Vertonghen whips a threatening low ball in towards Harry Kane from the left wing but Casemiro gets back well to clear the ball at the near post.
Just moments later Harry Winks attempts to chip Kiko Casilla from inside the penalty area but the Real Madrid goalkeeper is equal to it and catches the ball.
Spurs are looking so confident here.
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Lorenzo Insigne gives Napoli the lead against Manchester City in Italy!
25' - That's a big blow for Spurs. Toby Alderweireld has just limped off with what looks like a hamstring injury.
Moussa Sissoko is on in his place and Eric Dier has dropped into defence.
GOAL! Spurs 1-0 Real Madrid (Alli)
27' - Dele Alli gives Spurs the lead!
Harry Winks picks out Kieran Trippier on the right wing with a lofted pass and the full-back's first-time cross is turned home from close range by Alli.
The offside flag should've gone up against Trippier but Spurs won't care a jot.
30' - Good save! Hugo Lloris gets down well to deny Casemiro from a tight angle.
33' - You won't like him when he's angry. Cristiano Ronaldo drives at the Spurs defence before chucking in one, two, three, four (!) step-overs and getting a shot away with his left foot. Hugo Lloris is equal to it and turns the ball behind for a corner.
A minute later Ronaldo unleashes another shot on goal but this time his effort from Hakimi's cross is straight at Hugo Lloris.
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