Tottenham Hotspur secured a deserved win – their first under Igor Tudor – against Atletico Madrid but failed in their attempt to overturn a three-goal deficit as they went out of the Champions League in the last-16 stage.
Spurs were left with too much to do after a calamitous 5-2 first-leg defeat in Madrid – one of four in five matches since Tudor replaced Thomas Frank as manager.
But their latest improved performance in the return will offer encouragement as they turn to their main priority of avoiding relegation from the Premier League.
Spurs needed the first goal on the night, starting well and making the breakthrough on the half-hour mark when Randal Kolo Muani headed home an inviting cross from Mathys Tel on the right.
French forward Tel then had a golden chance to set Atletico’s nerves jangling when he broke through, but visiting keeper Juan Musso – a replacement for the injured Jan Oblak – made a crucial block.
Atleti punctured the atmosphere two minutes after the restart when former Manchester City forward Julian Alvarez beat Spurs keeper Guglielmo Vicario with a superb strike into the top corner.
Spurs were furious, insisting Xavi Simons had been fouled in the build-up by the Argentine, who led a brisk counter-attack and finished off Ademola Lookman’s pass.
But Dutch forward Simons exacted swift revenge by putting his side in front again with a fine low drive five minutes later.
Atletico were hanging on and thankful to Musso, who made vital stops from Pedro Porro and Radu Dragusin as Spurs tried to set up a grandstand finish.
The importance of those saves was emphasised when the Spanish side snuffed out any remaining hopes of a comeback with 15 minutes left as David Hancko headed in at the near post from an Alvarez corner.
Atleti were finally able to breathe easily as they face a last-eight meeting with Barcelona, although Simons’ late penalty gave the hosts the victory they deserved on the night.
Spurs will now turn their attention to the crucial league meeting with fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest at home on Sunday in the battle to beat the drop.
