Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinský substituted after 17 minutes in 5-2 Atlético defeat
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The 22-year-old Czech goalkeeper, making his Champions League debut, was at fault for multiple early goals as Spurs collapsed to a record-breaking start for the Spanish side at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Key takeaways
- Kinský conceded three goals in under 15 minutes before being substituted.
- Atlético Madrid raced to a historic 3-0 lead in just 14 minutes 59 seconds.
- Tottenham lost 5-2 as their disastrous season continued.
Nightmare start for Tottenham
Tottenham's evening unravelled almost immediately.Just six minutes into the match, Kinský's attempted pass out from the back was badly scuffed, allowing Marcos Llorente to pounce and fire Atlético into the lead.
Moments later, Antoine Griezmann doubled the advantage after Micky van de Ven slipped whilst defending, leaving Spurs reeling.
However, the worst moment for the young goalkeeper came seconds later as Kinský again mis-hit a pass directly to Julián Alvarez, who calmly rolled the ball into an empty net to make it 3-0.
The three goals arrived within 14 minutes and 59 seconds, the fastest a team has ever conceded three goals in a Champions League knockout match.
Visibly devastated, Kinský dropped to his knees before being consoled by team-mates.
— Archive (@BalebaSesko) March 10, 2026
Igor Tudor takes early action
Tottenham manager Igor Tudor quickly decided to remove the struggling goalkeeper to protect him and the team.Guglielmo Vicario replaced Kinský after just 17 minutes in an extremely rare move in professional football.
The 22-year-old walked straight down the tunnel with his head bowed, followed by team-mates including Conor Gallagher, Dominic Solanke and João Palhinha who went to support him.
Tudor later explained the decision.
What happened is very rare. I've been coaching for 15 years and I've never done this.He also revealed that Kinský apologised to his team-mates following the mistakes.
It was necessary to preserve the guy and preserve the team.
He was sorry. He made an excuse for the team. But we are together. It is not about one player.
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Read This Next →Atlético continue the onslaught
Tottenham's problems did not end with the substitution.Just five minutes later, defender Robin Le Normand headed in Atlético's fourth goal from close range.
Pedro Porro briefly gave Spurs hope with a strike in the 26th minute, but Atlético maintained full control.
Alvarez scored his second goal early in the second half to make it 5-1 before Solanke added a late consolation to end the match 5-2.
De Gea shows support
Despite widespread criticism of the goalkeeper's performance, former Atlético and Manchester United star David de Gea offered support to Kinský.No one who hasn't been a goalkeeper can understand how difficult it is to play in this position.
— David de Gea (@D_DeGea) March 10, 2026
Keep your head up and you will go again.
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Shop Featured Deals (Fast Checkout)Tottenham's crisis deepens
The heavy defeat adds further pressure on Tottenham during a disastrous season.Spurs are currently hovering just above the Premier League relegation zone and remain on an 11-game winless run in the league.
Their Champions League hopes now look extremely slim ahead of the second leg in North London.
Tottenham must first turn their attention to a daunting Premier League trip to Liverpool at Anfield this weekend.
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