CL lesson for Tottenham?

​​​​​​​Tottenham’s big night ended with a 2-1 defeat by Monaco in front of a record 85,011 crowd at Wembley. Nick Wright was there as Spurs were served a reminder of the harsh reality of the Champions League…

Mauricio Pochettino predicted it would be emotional to step out at Wembley in front of packed stands full of Tottenham supporters, but there was little expectation that they would walk back into the dressing room with such a powerful feeling of regret.

This was a night meant for celebration, and the build-up only added to the anticipation. Wembley Way, usually shared by two sets of fans, was a sea of white shirts before kick-off. Tottenham banners hung from every lamppost from the station to the stadium, and the sense of occasion had even the most hardened fans stopping to take selfies under the arch.

The excitement continued to build inside the stadium, and when the players finally emerged from the tunnel, it was to deafening noise from all corners of the arena. These supporters had waited half a decade to hear the Champions League anthem again, and the atmosphere was electric as Pochettino’s men moved into their positions for kick-off.

They started brightly. Pochettino had mentioned the large Wembley pitch as a possible advantage for his side in the build-up to the game, and Spurs exploited the width willingly in the opening stages. An early surge down the right from Kyle Walker brought roars of approval from the stands, and they almost took the lead when Heung-Min Son had a shot cleared off the line by Andrea Raggi.

Spurs looked comfortable in their new surroundings, but the Champions League can be ruthless, and moments after Dele Alli had a shot charged down in Monaco’s box, the visitors went ahead with …

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