Real Madrid are the defending club champions of Europe and the gold standard to which every other team is held this year. Tottenham entered the opposing stadium understanding that, but they also entered knowing that they had the talent and skill to give the defending champions a run for their money. Sure enough, that's exactly what they did on Tuesday. In a game defined by near misses and stellar goalkeeping, the Spurs walked away from the Bernabeu with a valuable point in hand.
Tottenham holds out for a point
When Tuesday's game began, it seemed like Real Madrid had a real opportunity to dominate their competition.
Ronaldo nearly put a header into the net within five minutes of the game's start, only for it to clang off the post. He nearly scored again 15 minutes later, only to punt it wide. That led to Tottenham breaking through first, with Raphael Varane surrendering in own goal as Harry Kane was in hot pursuit.
Real Madrid got their goal back before the end of the first half, thanks to a fortunate penalty call. Ronaldo had no problem knocking that one through. For the rest of the game, it was a defensive standoff. Neither team could find an easy path to victory. Tottenham goalie Hugo Lloris stood tall in the second half, making incredible saves with both his hands and feet. Kane made a last-ditch attempt at the goal in the 71st minute, but couldn't complete the job, leading to a lot of attrition over the final 20 minutes of the match.
Real Madrid loses step in Group H
Group H is as tough as they come in the Champions League. In addition to top-flight clubs Real Madrid and Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund is also represented in the section as one of Germany's best teams. The only obvious weak link in the group is Apoel Nicosia, and even they managed to force a draw against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday afternoon, preserving their European ambitions.
As it currently stands, Tottenham and Real Madrid are tied for the lead in Group H with seven points apiece. While winning the group has its benefits, both teams would advance to the next round of the Champions League in the top two spots. Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund and Apoel Nicosia are tied for third place with one point each, with the third place team transferred to the Europa League.
Each team in the group has one more match against each opponent, so it should be an intense jockeying for position over the next month and a half of group play.
