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)
"If Tottenham play like this, every club in Europe will fear them."
Yep, those are the words that came out of Chelsea legend Frank Lampard's mouth just moments ago.
Emre Can reacts to Liverpool's 3-0 win over Maribor
"It was difficult in the first half because they were deep but we got more space in the second half and it was a game where we had to be patient.
"We could do better this season but it is still early. Now we are in a good position in the Champions League and hopefully we will be in the next round."
Quotes from BT Sport
Post-match reaction from Mauricio Pochettino
On the magnitude of the win: "I am very proud of my players. The victory is so important for us, the players, the fans and the club because it's Real Madrid, the best team in the world. It's fantastic to beat them but it's a long way until the end of the season.
"We must enjoy today but we must think about Sunday (against Crystal Palace)."
On Dele Alli's performance, Harry Kane's comeback and Toby Alderweireld's injury: "I think it (Alli's display) was very good. I think it was important for him. It was a very, very good performance. He scored twice. It was important that Harry Kane felt good too. We feel bad about the injury to Toby Alderweireld but when it is a period that you must compete and give your best, it's always tough for the players."
Quotes from BT Sport
Sergio Aguero reacts to becoming Manchester City's all-time top scorer
The Argentine scored his 178th goal for City against Napoli tonight.
"I am very happy for this moment. I am happy because the team helped support me. This moment is one time.
"Napoli are a good team. Away in the Champions League is difficult. I'm happy to win and qualify. Every game, we play the same way."
Quotes from BT Sport
Thanks for joining us on a night that has seen Spurs dismantle the European champions at Wembley, Manchester City hit Serie A leaders Napoli for four on their home turf and Liverpool brush Maribor aside with consummate ease at Anfield.
Join us tomorrow as Everton and Arsenal both return to Europa League action.
Goodnight!
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