Tottenham Hotspur lost their second straight game in pre-season as a Diego Godin goal gave Atletico Madrid a 1-0 win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Godin the difference

This friendly encounter would ultimately be decided by one goal, as Atletico central defender, Godin popped up to be the unlikely hero five minutes before half time. It was a poor goal to concede for Spurs, as young defender, Anton Walkes flicked a free kick back towards his own goal and that allowed Godin to prod home from close range.

First half Spurs dominance

Despite being behind at the break, Spurs dominated the opening half as they created chances at will. However, they found Atletico goalkeeper Jan Oblak in inspired form throughout. His first save in the seventh minute, though, was an unconvincing one as he misjudged a low Christian Eriksen shot after good hold up play by new signing, Vincent Janssen.

Then when Oblak wasn't in the way, Mauricio Pochettino's team were denied by the woodwork in Melbourne. First of all, the crossbar was rattled from Josh Onomah's left foot close range volley from a corner which bounced around the box.

The left hand post was also struck, this time courtesy of Erik Lamela. The Argentine played a nice give-and-go with Janssen before running into the box and letting the ball drop onto his left foot; he smashed it against the post from close range. 

Harry Winks does battle in midfield. | Image credit: Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Winks does battle in midfield. | Image credit: Tottenham Hotspur

More of the same in the second half

The second period in Australia would follow a fairly similar pattern to the first, in terms of Atletico rarely troubling Michel Vorm in the Spurs goal; his team were doing much of the running. Oblak once again was to be called upon to earn Diego Simeone's team the win.

The best chances of the second period fell for Janssen and half time substitute, Ryan Mason who has been linked with a move away from the club. Firstly, on the hour mark, Harry Winks played a pass into the path of Mason. He struck the ball first-time, but Oblak was strong again to tip over the bar.

Then, just two minutes later the Slovenian stopper was at it again to deny Janssen on his only chance. He turned the Dutch international's left foot free-kick from the edge of the box just round the left post.

However, for the last half an hour of this game Atletico managed to finally tighten up at the back and just about saw out the 90 minutes to walk away with a 1-0 victory.

Obviously, a tough loss for Spurs to take after dominating the game. However, Pochettino will be delighted with the way his side outplayed last season's Champions League runners up, as they prepare to make their return to that competition.

VAVEL Logo
About the author
Jamie Joslyn
20 year old sports journalism at Sunderland University, huge Sunderland fan