Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 19 March 2026 8:50, UK

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Archie Gray was in fine form as Tottenham Hotspur went out of the Champions League in style against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.

The Lilywhites won 3-2 on the night but were knocked out after failing to overturn the 5-2 deficit received in Madrid last week.

It was a performance to be proud of for Igor Tudor’s men, however, and a result that marked a first win in eight games across all competitions.

Gray has often been a standout in recent weeks, continuing to star despite the perilous situation in North London.

Tudor will hope Wednesday’s performance can mark a turnaround in Tottenham’s form ahead of a huge clash with Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

Archie Gray’s impressive stats vs Atletico Madrid

Football Insider exclusively revealed this month that Tottenham could be forced to sell Gray if they are relegated this season.

The midfielder would be one of several key players attracting significant interest elsewhere, although on the basis of the last few weeks, he will be key to any chance of them staying up.

Gray was sensational against Atletico, creating two chances and completing two successful dribbles from the double pivot.

In the second half, it was the 20-year-old’s brilliant sequences of passes with Xavi Simons that eventually allowed the Dutchman to fire into the bottom corner from range.

But it was Gray’s defensive work that really stood out. The England youth international made blocks, clearances, interceptions and amassed a staggering nine recoveries throughout his 81 minutes on the pitch.

Tottenham are not down and out just yet, and if they are to survive, their marauding midfielder will be a key part.

What Igor Tudor said about Gray

The two years since Tottenham signed Gray from Leeds United in a deal worth around £30million are unlikely to have gone as he would have expected them.

The 20-year-old was a part of a dismal league campaign last season but ultimately won the Europa League at the end of it.

This season, however, has been a struggle from start to finish, and it could still end with one of the worst days in Tottenham history.

Gray has undoubtedly been a rare shining light throughout, though, and there remains hope that he will stay regardless of potential relegation.

“He’s playing continually in the right way, in a good way,” said Tudor after Wednesday’s game. It’s a mix of quality, physically and mentally, to always make the right choices and be humble and have legs to do so.

“He needs to continue this, he’s still young, so every day he needs to be a new confirmation.”