There wasn’t much hope, a fool’s hope as some would call it, but for long stretches of the game it genuinely felt possible.
For the first time in what feels like a lifetime, Tottenham played with real purpose. The ball moved quickly, passes had intent, and chances came from good football rather than set-pieces. We were getting into decent positions and hitting the target.
In the end, it was just too much to overturn. Those slippy opening 17 minutes in Madrid left us with a mountain that was always going to be difficult to climb. Still, this is one of those mornings where you look for the positives, and there were plenty to take from last night.
What stands out most is how quickly the mood around the club has shifted. It feels different now. There is a togetherness on the pitch and in the stands that has been missing for a long time. Relegation, which not long ago felt almost inevitable, now feels like something we can fight together rather than simply accept.
There is nothing complicated behind this improvement. Igor Tudor has not come in with a magic solution. We are just working harder, running more, and winning our duels across the pitch. When chances come, there is a bit more composure instead of panic.
Against Atletico Madrid and Liverpool, we created real opportunities. We didn’t take all of them, but it is a relief to see Spurs producing chances through open play rather than relying on set-pieces or long throws.
In midfield, Archie Gray and Pape Matar Sarr are beginning to look like a proper partnership, full of energy and intent. Mathys Tel brings unpredictability and a threat in behind, while Richarlison, Randal Kolo Muani and Dominic Solanke mean we have a number nine for all occasions.
For the first time in months, there is real hope.
Now the focus turns to Sunday against Nottingham Forest. That is the real test. A point away at Anfield and a battling win against a team with a three-goal cushion will only mean something if our relegation rivals are swatted aside.
The European run is over and how soon we return will be decided over the next eight games. Today, though, it feels like hope. Not just a fool’s hope.
Find more from Bardi at The Extra Inch – a Spurs podcast, external