De Gea Reaches Out After Kensky's Night to Forget in Atletico Madrid vs Tottenham
11 March 2026
Match Recap
The Spanish goalkeeper David De Gea quickly voiced support for Tottenham's Antonin Kensky after a moment of collapse that left Atletico Madrid with a 2-0 lead in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, played at the Spaniards' home ground. The early errors began with Kensky slipping in the sixth minute, allowing Marcos Llorente to open the scoring, and Antoine Griezmann doubled the advantage in the 14th.
Moments later, Kensky's miscue proved costly again when a routine clearance from Tottenham's keeper was intercepted, letting Julián Álvarez score the third and heightening the pressure on Tottenham.
Tottenham boss Igor Tudor did not hesitate to substitute Kensky for Guillermo Vicario, an immediate decision that drew many comments about the keeper's night.
The Polish goalkeeper's tough night sparked a flurry of discussion as Kensky left the arena.
De Gea, a former Manchester United keeper and now at Fiorentina, sent his support to Kensky via X, writing: "No one who hasn't played in goal can understand how hard it is. Do not give up and you will return stronger."
The return leg will be staged at Tottenham's stadium next Wednesday, and Tottenham must conjure a near-impossible scenario to progress against a relentless Atletico Madrid.
Sniper humor: 1) If goalkeeping had a warranty, Kensky's would have expired at kickoff. 2) The ball found the only gap Kensky couldn't fill—between his boots and his nerves.
