In typical Tottenham fashion, despite fears of parachuting into the Europa League, yet another last-ditch goal secured progression into the Champions League last 16 as Group D’s winners.
Although clearly playing for the draw – which would have seen us go through in second, securing top spot is massive for Tottenham, as it means we avoid the likes of Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Napoli – this season’s surprise high-flyers, in the next round.
Of course, at this stage, there are no inherently easy games, but entering Monday’s draw as a seeded team should set Spurs up with a somewhat more favourable tie, so let’s take a look at who Tottenham could face come February.
Inter Milan
Whilst Antonio Conte may relish the challenge of facing his former side, a visit to the blue half of the San Siro could be troublesome for Spurs.
Finishing second ahead of Barcelona, the Neuazzuri have earned their place in this season’s knockout stages and look to be tough opposition.
Forward options of Edin Dzeko, Lautaro Martinez, and Romelu Lukaku supported by a midfield of Nicolas Barela and Marcelo Brozovic sees Inter pose a threat to any side, whilst housing long-term Spurs target Milan Skrinniar in defence should make Simone Inzaghi’s team hard to break down.
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Whilst on our day, Spurs are more than capable of besting Conte’s former side, the Italians would certainly pose stern competition for a place in the quarter-finals.
PSG
In a bizarre matchday six, Benfica’s five-goal victory in Israel saw the Portuguese outfit top Group H, leaving PSG in second place only for having scored fewer away goals (Uefa).
Blessed with an embarrassment of riches, the Parisians are the ones everyone will want to avoid, potentially homing football’s best frontline with Neymar, Messi, and Mbappe.
Seven goals for the latter sees the Frenchman lead the scoring charts alongside Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah, whilst 12 goals and 14 assists for Messi has seen the Argentine return to the superhuman form we have come to expect (Transfermarkt).
Granted, meeting such a star-studded team does have a certain appeal, but in terms of tournament progression, PSG are certainly to be avoided, so fans and players alike will have their fingers crossed for an away day that isn’t in Paris.
AC Milan
Ending Group E behind London rivals Chelsea, reigning Serie A holders AC Milan are perhaps one of the more manageable opponents for Spurs.
Considering the calibre of sides left in the tournament, a trip to the red side of Milan may not be the worst outcome for Tottenham, however with young talent like Fikayo Tomori, Rafael Leao, and Sandro Tonali they cannot be underestimated.
Our lone Champions League tie against Milan came in the 2010/11 campaign, as Peter Crouch’s late goal at the San Siro followed by a 0-0 draw at White Hart Lane saw Spurs cause an upset in progressing to the quarter-finals.
If we are to draw Milan again, it’s certainly a more level playing field, but fans will be hoping the outcome remains the same.
Club Brugge
Club Brugge has no doubt been the surprise package of this season’s tournament.
Drawn in a group alongside Porto, Bayer Leverkusen, and Atletico Madrid, most, if not all immediately wrote the Belgians off.
However, three wins and a draw from their opening four left Club Brugge in the driving seat for qualification, but a defeat to Porto and a draw to Leverkusen on the last two matchdays saw the Belgians finish second.
Whilst they shouldn’t be underestimated, with all due respect, Club Brugge undoubtedly looks to be the most favourable draw for any of the seeded sides.
RB Leipzig
Having reached the Champions League and Europa League semi-finals in two of the last three seasons, RB Leipzig is quickly becoming a force in Europe.
Tottenham’s last Champions League exit came at the hands of Leipzig, with an aggregate 4-0 defeat seeing then Jose Mourinho’s side crash out in the round of 16.
Spurs fans will be hopeful of exacting revenge this time round if we are met with a trip to Leipzig, however, the Germans boast a fine roster of attackers including France’s Christopher Nkunku and former Chelsea man Timo Werner.
Leipzig is a typical Bundesliga side – face-paced and all-action, but their tendency to commit men forward may play into Conte’s counter-attacking style.
Of all the teams we could draw, a rematch against the Germans might not be the worst for Tottenham at present.
Borussia Dortmund
As regulars in the Champions League knockout stages, Borussia Dortmund will pose a stern test for whoever they draw, armed with a wealth of talent including Karim Adeyemi, Nicholas Sule, and England starlet Jude Bellingham.
Spurs last met BVB on our infamous run to the Champions League final, with goals from Son, Llorente, and Vertonghen all but killing the tie in the first leg.
Since then, both sides have undergone wholesale changes, as of the 22 players who started in Spurs’ 3-0 win, just five – four from Tottenham, are still at their respective sides.
A match-up against Dortmund would likely be tough for Conte and co, but on our day, Spurs certainly have the capability to best the Germans.
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