Xavi Simons provides spark of inspiration as Spurs show overdue fight

Xavi Simons cranked up the tempo and was relentless throughout in the 3-2 win against Atlético Madrid. Photograph: Anthony Hanc/Shutterstock
The kind of night that saves a season? That might be pushing it. A comeback for the ages was on, then off, then on again for a little while: a flickering traffic light that, like Tottenham’s season to date, stopped ultimately on red. But they will hoover up any morsels of hope at this point and at least, when a considerably sub‑capacity crowd applauded them off at the end, the appreciation was deservedly heartfelt. If the adage goes that a win can work wonders, perhaps Igor Tudor will be able to cajole a brand of magic now that he has finally achieved one.