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Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky had a disastrous Champions League debut, conceding three goals in the first 15 minutes.
Antonin Kinsky leaves the field after substitution during the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 match against Atletico Madrid. (AP Photo)
Two miskicks. Three goals conceded. 17 minutes of hell. Off you go.
That about summarises Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky’s experience in what can safely be called a nightmare of a Champions League debut on Tuesday night. The 22-year-old Czech appeared distraught after being signaled to come off as he made the long walk off the pitch at Metropolitano Stadium while a couple of his teammates rushed to console him.
In the round-of-16 match against Atletico Madrid, Tottenham endured a 5-2 defeat after a dramatic start that saw the hosts taking 3-0 lead in no time.
Kisnky’s Misadventure
The youngster first up slipped and ended up making a mess of a clearance as early as the sixth minute after the kick-off. An Atletico player accepted the offering before Marcos Llorente scored past Kinsky to give his side a 1-0 lead.
Not long after, Antoine Griezmann doubled the lead.
A rattled Kinsky’s attempt at a pass with his left foot proved fatal as he lost his balance and Julian Alvarez found himself in front of an empty net to triple the lead.
Kinsky, remained on the turf, possibly trying to come to terms with what was unfolding while a teammate rushed to console him.
Tottenham’s interim manager Igor Tudor though had seen enough, and he substituted Kinsky for first-choice goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Kinsky headed straight to the tunnel.
However, the decision to introduce Vicario only worsened Tottenham’s night as they would concede two more goals before the final whistle went off.
“It was necessary to do this, preserve the guy and the team. Incredible situation,” Tudor defended his call after the match.
Tottenham midfielder Archie Gray is hopeful that Kinsky will find a way to recover.
“It’s part of the game,” Gray said. “Obviously when it costs goals, as a goalkeeper it’s more disappointing. It’s hard for him but he’s very strong mentally and I know he will get through this.”
March 11, 2026, 08:14 IST
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