Tottenham stand a chance of pulling off the impossible against Barcelona if they play like this
Five English clubs have travelled to the Nou Camp in recent years and all five have left with the tail between their legs
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CAPTAIN Kane can be their Harry Houdini in Catalonia.
Tottenham's odds of progressing to the Champions League knockouts couldn't be more against them as they head to the Camp Nou in a fortnight. But to dare is to do, of course.
Spurs will likely have to do what only Liverpool of the English clubs have done before and beat Barcelona in their own back yard to progress.
Mauricio Pochettino and his men cannot rely on PSV holding Inter, and history shows the difficulty of their task ahead.
Five English clubs have travelled to Barca in recent years and all five have left with the tail between their legs.
Antonio Conte’s resilient Chelsea side was spanked 3-0 last year. Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City was pummelled the year before that.
English clubs have an aggregate score of 12-2 in their last five visits to the Camp Nou.
In front of their 80,000 fans, Lionel Messi and Co. reduce giants to size.
On top of that, only Arsenal’s team of 2003/04 and Liverpool’s of 2007/08 have escaped their group despite only having one point after three games. Good luck, Spurs.
But with Mauricio Pochettino getting his tactics spot on against Inter Milan, bringing Christian Eriksen and Heung-Min Son on with fresh legs in the second half, then it’s possible.
The decision to bench his heroes from Saturday’s victory over Chelsea appeared bizarre. It was a gamble but one that paid off.
Poch and his men dispatched the Italian tactics of Maurizio Sarri here four days ago and the Argentine coach got it spot on once again against Luciano Spaletti’s men.
They silenced the prolific Mauro Icardi and dominated in midfield.
Pochettino knew Inter make their moves in the second half but ensured his team got the boost they needed at exactly the right time.
Eriksen, ultimately the difference at Wembley, will be key in Catalonia alongside Harry Kane in controlling Tottenham's destiny. Be savvy like this and they've got a chance.
Despite all the negativity that has surrounded Spurs this season, with the delayed stadium move and lack of signings, Poch and his men continue to thrive.
Victory against Inter caps off the perfect November for Tottenham with six wins in a row meaning their week from hell could become seven days from heaven.
Sunday brings the North London derby but Poch and his men will have December 11 circled on the calendar already.
Into the Catalonia lion’s den they go. The greatest of escapes is still on.
