Spurs star breaks dressing room silence on Antonin Kinsky sub

Archie Gray has become the first Spurs player to address Antonin Kinsky's first-half substitution during their 5-2 defeat to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last 16 first leg.

Kinsky made two errors leading to a goal as Atletico took an early 3-0 lead.

On both occasions, the Czechia international lost his footing while attempting to pass the ball out from the back.

While Atletico still had work to do on the edge of the box before Marcos Llorente scored following Kinsky's first error, his second mistake presented the ball to Julian Alvarez to score into an empty net.

Interim manager Igor Tudor had seen enough at that stage, hauling the goalkeeper off on what was his Champions League debut.

Kinský is replaced by Vicario after a difficult start against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League 🔄@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/1EAxtRoXuE

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 10, 2026

It was a nightmare evening for Kinsky, who signed for Spurs from Slavia Prague last January amid a goalkeeping injury crisis under Ange Postecoglou.

The 22-year-old had a short run in the first team under the Australian, before Guglielmo Vicario was restored to the side following his return from a broken arm.

This season, however, he had played just twice in all competitions - both in the EFL Cup - prior to Tuesday night at the Wanda Metropolitano.

And while many Spurs fans had called for him to be given an opportunity due to Vicario's recent poor form, others questioned why a goalkeeper who hadn't played since October 29 was suddenly called upon for such a crucial match.

After Kinsky's exit, Tudor's side conceded again just five minutes later to make it 4-0, before Pedro Porro pulled a goal back before half-time.

Alvarez made it 5-1 on 55 minutes with his second goal of the night, before Dominic Solanke scored another consolation for the struggling visitors to reduce the deficit back down to three goals.

Gray, who turns 20 on Thursday and whose performances have been one of few positives for Spurs in recent weeks, spoke to BBC Sport post-match and gave his initial reaction to Kinsky's substitution.

"It's difficult, mistakes happen," he said. "It's part of football.

"Tony [Kinsky] is young. I have made mistakes, everyone has, especially when you are younger.

"When it costs goals, it is disappointing. But he is strong mentally so he will get through this, he'll be alright.

"We have got to take responsibility, what's happened in this game and in the Premier League. In quite a lot of games this season it's been unacceptable.

"We have to take responsibility and push on."

Spurs host Atletico in the return leg of their Champions League last 16 tie at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on March 18.