Tottenham has put an end to the speculation about Igor Tudor’s future by confirming he will stay on as head coach for their upcoming Champions League match against Atletico Madrid. Sky Sports reports Tudor will lead the pre-match press conference on Tuesday ahead of this crucial fixture.

Pressure on Tudor had been mounting following a rocky start at Tottenham. There were murmurs he might be sacked after a series of disappointing results, but the late 1-1 draw against Liverpool seems to have provided a reprieve. Before that, the assumption was that one more loss, especially away at Anfield, could cost him his job. Confirming Tudor’s role for the Atletico clash signals the club is sticking with him for now, at least through the next big challenge.

That challenge is significant. Spurs are trailing 5-2 on aggregate after the first leg against Atletico, a match that drew sharp criticism for Tottenham’s performance. The game was difficult to watch, not only because of the scoreline but also because of a striking moment when goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky was taken off just 17 minutes in, a rare and unsettling decision that highlighted deeper issues.

For Tudor, Tuesday’s match is both a test and an opportunity to demonstrate leadership. The confirmation of his position brings mixed feelings among fans. There’s a recognition that stability is important during such a hectic part of the season, yet lingering doubts remain after some shaky displays.

Fans watched the first leg against Atletico with a sense of disbelief. Conceding five goals and that early goalkeeper substitution raised legitimate questions about the team’s preparation and tactical choices. That substitution felt emblematic of a chaotic night, reflecting larger problems.

The gritty draw with Liverpool, though, offered a glimpse of fighting spirit and earned some credit for resilience, even if the overall form is inconsistent. Moments like that can offer managers breathing room in tough times.

Still, supporters crave clarity and a long-term vision. Tottenham has shifted its direction multiple times in recent years, and the fans want a coherent plan moving forward. Tudor now has a clear chance to reinforce his authority and bring some order against a tough Atletico side.

Even if overcoming the deficit proves elusive, Spurs supporters will be looking for signs of organisation, determination, and a stronger team identity. That might be the most valuable takeaway from the clash.

Manchester City will go head-to-head with Real Madrid in what’s easily the standout fixture of this season’s Champions League round of 16.

UEFA stuck to the same process as last year’s new format, running the draws for the last 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals all on the same day in Nyon, Switzerland.

There’s still plenty of English interest left in the competition. Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle, Tottenham, and Man City all made it through, which pretty much guarantees the Premier League an extra Champions League spot next season thanks to the UEFA coefficient.

With the seeding and pairing rules, each of the 16 teams already knew they’d be facing one of just two possible opponents in the next round.

Liverpool and Tottenham ended up in the same section of the bracket. No surprise, since they finished third and fourth in their groups.

Arsenal, who topped their group, drew Bayern Munich. Manchester City got Sporting Lisbon, and Chelsea lined up against Barcelona.

After Newcastle’s play-off win over Qarabag, they were slotted into their section of the bracket.

Now that the draw’s done, here’s what’s coming up: Chelsea will take on defending champions PSG, and Newcastle will get Barcelona.

Real Madrid against Manchester City is the pick of the bunch, two giants going toe-to-toe.

Liverpool will face Galatasaray, while Tottenham will meet Atletico Madrid.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are set to play either Bayer Leverkusen or Atalanta – a tricky tie either way.

Here’s the full Champions League last 16 draw for 2025/26:

Manchester City vs Real Madrid

Bodø/Glimt vs Sporting

Paris Saint-Germain vs Chelsea

Newcastle vs Barcelona

Galatasaray vs Liverpool

Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham

Atalanta vs Bayern Munich

Bayer Leverkusen vs Arsenal

And for the Europa League quarter-finals:

Paris Saint-Germain/Chelsea vs Galatasaray/Liverpool

Real Madrid/Manchester City vs Atalanta/Bayern Munich

Newcastle/Barcelona vs Tottenham/Atletico Madrid

Bodø/Glimt/Sporting vs Bayer Leverkusen/Arsenal

The Europa League semi-finals shape up like this:

Paris Saint-Germain/Chelsea/Galatasaray/Liverpool vs Real Madrid/Manchester City/Atalanta/Bayern Munich

Newcastle/Barcelona/Tottenham/Atletico Madrid vs Bodo/Glimt/Sporting/Bayer Leverkusen/Arsenal

As for the dates, here’s what you need to know:

Round of 16: March 10/11 & 17/18, 2026

Quarter-finals: April 7/8 & 14/15, 2026

Semi-finals: April 28/29 & May 5/6, 2026

Final: May 30, 2026, in Budapest