Five things we learned from the heart-breaking defeat in Madrid

Almost 24-hours on from the heart-wrenching defeat to Liverpool in Madrid, we look at the five things we learned from the Champions League nearly-moment.

Fans were excellent –

Putting the result to one side, the fans were absolutely immense last night. It wasn’t a thriller for the neutral, Liverpool were poor, and Tottenham were poor, but the supporters were top class. It didn’t matter that Spurs conceded within the first two minutes, it didn’t matter that they struggled to create chances, it didn’t matter that they didn’t find the net, it didn’t matter that they lost, those fans sang their hearts out all night. Everyone is well aware what those players have given us this season, and it isn’t to be taken lightly.

Worst possible start –

After three weeks of training and planning, nothing could have prepared the Spurs squad for what happened last night. A freak penalty within the first minute, hitting Sissoko’s chest then flicking his hand. It set the tone for the match, with Liverpool sitting in and defending, and breaking away when they could. Spurs didn’t have the quality or the energy to break the Reds down last night after that sucker punch right on the first whistle.

Harry Kane –

The biggest talking point of the match for Tottenham. Should Kane have played? I would argue that yes, playing him was a reasonable decision, but having him out there for the full ninety when he had little to no impact seemed bizarre.

Eriksen’s last match –

With Eriksen entering the final year of his current contract, Spurs may eventually choose to sell him this summer, if they want to make a profit on him. If that is to happen, it seems like a heart-breaking way for the Great Dane to leave North London, and I for one hope they can agree on a new long-term contract with him.

Make or break –

This Tottenham squad can only take so much more. The nearly season in the League against Leicester. The next year chasing down Chelsea. Losing in the final of the League Cup. Losing the Champions League final. These experiences can bond a team, but so many can be demoralizing, and Spurs must invest and start winning silverware if they are to keep their best players.

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