UEFA Champions League / Atlético de Madrid - Tottenham: who is the favorite?

Europe 27 February 2026 at 10:00

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI

News Editor

10.03.26 FT Champions League

Atletico Madrid

5

:

Tottenham

2

The Champions League draw has served up a particularly balanced clash between Atlético de Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur in the round of 16. The first leg will take place at the Metropolitano on March 10, 2026, with the return fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 17. This showdown pits Atlético's defensive solidity against the Spurs' attacking firepower.

See also: UEFA Champions League: potential quarter-final matchups revealed

The statistics confirm this clash of styles. Atlético sit 3rd in La Liga with 52 points (16 wins, 4 draws, 5 losses) and boast one of Spain's best defenses, having conceded just 18 goals. Tottenham, 4th in the Premier League with 48 points, are distinguished by a prolific attack (54 goals scored) but a more porous defense, having let in 33 goals.

Predictions suggest a tightly contested two-legged affair. Atlético hold a slight edge, with around a 52% chance of advancing compared to 48% for Tottenham. The European experience of Diego Simeone's men could prove decisive, although the return leg in London gives Spurs a crucial advantage.

Related teams and leagues

Atletico Madrid

Tottenham

Champions League