Harry Kane says Tottenham have gone from an outside bet to favourites in their Champions League last-16 tie with Juventus.
Spurs went two goals behind within nine minutes of the first leg in Turin before fighting back to draw 2-2 thanks to goals from Kane and Christian Eriksen.
Despite their poor start and Juventus’ excellent defensive record going into the game, Mauricio Pochettino’s dominated first leg and proved they can match one of Europe’s best sides.
Having scored two away goals, Tottenham are now favourites to progress to the quarter-finals – and according to Kane, that’s not necessarily an advantage.
Speaking to reporters, the 24-year-old suggested Spurs’ ‘favourites’ tag has added pressure to Wednesday night’s second leg at Wembley.
“We were not the favourites before, but now people are looking at us after that performance at Juventus and saying we should go through,” said Kane (via ESPN).
“We have got to cope with that and see how we come through it. Of course there will be added pressure and maybe more nerves, but that is why we play football.
“They are still one of the best teams in Europe. They have been in this situation before and they have got very experienced players. We are not getting carried away.
“We know we played well there, and on another day we could have won. But they will feel they could play better as well.
“Champions League nights are what we all want to be involved in and this is a chance to get into the quarterfinals. To win would be massive.
“We made a big step in that aspect by what we did in the group, and now we have got to try and do it against the big teams consistently.
“We are in great form and have played against a lot of great teams recently and done well. It is important we carry that on. Going through will give us a lot more confidence.”
Gonzalo Higuain, who scored twice and missed a penalty in the first leg, has returned from an injury and could start up front for the visitors.
He might be partnered by another returner, Paulo Dybala – the Argentine missed the first leg through injury and could prove to be a threat for Juventus.
Tottenham will be without Toby Alderweireld, but they will be confident of replicating their performance in Turin and reaching the last eight.
Good points made but we didn’t beat them… We drew ? ?