Tudor impressed by 'improved' Spurs despite Champions League exit

Igor Tudor stated that Tottenham's determined departure from the Champions League against Atletico Madrid demonstrated their progress towards securing Premier League safety.

Tudor's team secured a 3-2 victory over Atletico in the last-16 second leg at their north London home on Wednesday, yet it proved insufficient for progression, as they exited 7-5 on aggregate.

Following four initial defeats under interim manager Tudor after the dismissal of Thomas Frank, Tottenham at last displayed vitality right when their season risked complete embarrassment.

Positioned just one point clear of the Premier League drop zone, their resilient 1-1 stalemate at Liverpool on Sunday and the resolute win versus Atletico provided a spark of optimism amid a dismal year.

"Feelings are varied. We dislike failing to advance, but the display was excellent. It felt wonderful on the field with supporters who supported the squad from the outset," Tudor remarked.

"Well done to the squad. It shows positivity, dedication, plenty of effort, and many strong elements.

"The atmosphere was vibrant right away. The team had faith, and the display now is crucial. Over the past two matches, we have advanced."

Tottenham's elimination in Europe came as little shock after their poor 5-2 defeat in the opening leg in Madrid the previous week.

However, the showing against Atletico marked their finest in months, arriving ideally before a vital encounter with relegation foes Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Forest, sitting fourth from the bottom, trail Tottenham by one point, though Tudor maintains this outcome will not determine their fate.

"Sunday's match matters, but it will not settle everything immediately; the final three fixtures will," he noted.

"We fielded 11 players today, with (Lucas) Bergvall, (Destiny) Udogie, and Conor (Gallagher) on the bench, as medics advised they could manage only 20 minutes.

"This enhances the significance of our effort. Securing the win boosted spirits nicely."

Atletico now meets Spanish counterparts Barcelona in the quarter-finals following a nerve-wracking night at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Diego Simeone's team appeared uneasy while protecting their three-goal lead from the first leg and must elevate their game considerably to overcome La Liga frontrunners Barca, who demolished Newcastle 7-2 on Wednesday.

Atletico forward Julian Alvarez, scorer of his team's opening goal, admitted it lacked their peak form.

"We expected difficulty, yet we created opportunities to triumph too. The key is reaching the quarter-finals among the top eight, so now we savour that," he commented.

"Entering with a three-goal lead allowed some composure, though we recognised the challenge ahead.

"We did not prevail, but advancing was vital. We must concentrate on enhancement and upcoming fixtures."