Germany legend Lothar Matthaus predicts Tottenham draw with Real Madrid in Champions League clash if they can stifle Toni Kroos
German icon knows compatriot Toni Kroos is the the creative hub and if you give him time and space he will kill you
WORLD CUP winner LOTHAR MATTHAUS is SunSport’s Euro expert.
Here the German legend explains why Spurs will take a step nearer the Champions League knock-out stage against Real Madrid tonight .
Tottenham played very well in Madrid. In fact, they surprised me because I didn’t think they had that level of quality. Real have had a poor start to the season by their standards.
Maybe it’s a consequence of their success — when you win a lot you can lose some of that motivation.
But if you are at Madrid, it is expected that you will win titles.
When I watch Spurs now they do seem more comfortable at Wembley than last season. That is important for their hopes in both the Champions League and the Premier League.
The first game suggested there is no big difference between the sides and this is where Spurs can prove it.
STOP THE KROOS CONTROL
Real will have been hurt by losing in Girona at the weekend and they lost because Girona simply did not let them settle in possession.
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It has to be the same for Spurs — if you give Madrid time in midfield, you are in trouble.
So you have to be aggressive, disturb their passing game and make them play it earlier than they want.
Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are the creative hub and, if you give them time and space, they will kill you.
For me, that means you can’t defend from the edge of your own box.
The press has to start before halfway. It’s vital Spurs put them under pressure early and don’t give them the chance to play those passes into Ronaldo, Benzema and Isco.
If they are able to make clean passes it’s a real problem for you. If not, it becomes a problem for Real. Spurs must not let them dominate midfield.
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ALLI PALLY
Dele Alli doesn’t have to show me or anyone else anything — because he has already proved his quality.
The last thing he needs is to be more wound-up to play.
He must control himself and let his natural game come through.
We all know what he can do. He can score and assist against the best teams. He’s such an important player, for both Tottenham and England.
What matters is he plays without putting himself under any pressure.
HARRY’S GAME
There’s no question Real Madrid are looking at Harry Kane to replace Karim Benzema.
In the past 18 months, Kane has become a striker everyone is talking about. In the next few years, the big European teams will be trying to sign him.
For now, it’s clear he is very happy at Tottenham. But there is so much talk, so much that will be offered.
Now he is not thinking of any of that. His focus is Spurs but if something serious does happen in terms of a huge bid, it might be hard for him to turn that down.
PREDICTION
All the English sides will qualify — and if Spurs and Madrid get a result that suits both, it will make it even easier for both to go through.
Real are the champions of Europe and have some quality players. But, given the schedule facing these teams, they’d both be happy with a point.
So 1-1 will suit both teams. It is the smart play and these are two smart teams, with two smart coaches.
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