David de Gea backs Antonin Kinsky after goalkeeper's Champions League ordeal

Tottenham goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky was unexpectedly handed the start ahead of Guglielmo Vicario for the Champions League round of 16 first leg against Atletico Madrid. He conceded three goals and made two high-profile errors inside the opening 15 minutes, was substituted and left the pitch in tears.

The match was Kinsky's third appearance of the season and provoked a strong social media reaction. Fiorentina goalkeeper and former Manchester United star David de Gea posted a message of support on X, acknowledging the pressure of the role: "No one who hasn't been a goalkeeper can understand how difficult it is to play in this position.

Keep your head up and you will go again." Manager Igor Tudor said he withdrew Kinsky "for his own protection" and described the contest as "a strange game": "We don't need to comment. It's not the moment to speak too much. It was a strange game, very strange game.

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