Tottenham have been dumped out of the Champions League in the last-16 stage, as their 15-year trophy drought continues. Antonio Conte’s side could not overturn a one-goal deficit from the first leg, succumbing to a 0-0 draw at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium against AC Milan.
The evening started poorly for the home side, with AC Milan having the better of the first half and creating better chances. Despite marginally improving in the second half, Spurs could not find the breakthrough.
The visitors had clear chances when Fraser Forster denied Brahim Diaz with a superb save, and substitute Divock Origi hit the post in injury time. The game was compounded by a late red card for Cristian Romero, as Tottenham could not find the goal that would have seen them progress.
The home fans booed loudly as the full-time whistle blew, who have been waiting for a trophy for 15 years. This result will be a bitter blow for Spurs fans, who hoped this season would finally be when they could break their long trophy drought.
The team has been in good form under Antonio Conte but needs help replicating this in Europe. Despite this disappointment, Tottenham will still be looking to finish in the top four this season and secure a place in next year’s Champions League.
However, with Conte’s contract set to expire in 12 games’ time, Spurs may be forced to look for a new manager in the summer if they are to progress in Europe. The result highlights the need for Tottenham to invest in the squad to compete at the highest level in Europe.
The team currently needs more quality in the attacking positions, particularly in the wide areas, and this has been evident in their performances in the Champions League. Tottenham has been in a trophy drought for 15 years, and this result will be a bitter pill to swallow for the fans.
The team has shown signs of progress under Antonio Conte, but they need to invest heavily in the squad to compete with the best in Europe. The next few months could be crucial for Spurs, and they hope to finish in the top four and secure a place in next year’s Champions League.