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Why Is Richarlison Not Playing Tonight for Tottenham Hotspur vs. Atlético Madrid?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Manuel Meza Cienfuegos | Last updated Mar 18, 2026 3:39 PM ET

Tottenham Hotspur hosts Atlético Madrid this Wednesday, March 18, in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League round of 16. The lineups have been confirmed, and striker Richarlison is not included.

The reason is that the Brazilian is suspended due to the accumulation of yellow cards. In his place, PSG loanee Randal Kolo Muani is the one chosen to lead the attack, with Mathys Tel and Xavi Simons on the wings.

Tottenham has a five-match winless streak. In fact, they lost 2-5 to Atlético in the first leg of this tie with goals from Marcos Llorente, Antoine Griezmann, Robin Le Normand, and a brace from Julián Álvarez. Pedro Porro and Dominic Solanke scored for Spurs.

Tottenham Hotspur's Richarlison celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Premier League match at Anfield, Liverpool. Picture date: Sunday, March 15, 2026. (Photo by Peter Byrne/PA Images via Getty Images

Despite the poor moment of Igor Tudor's team this season, Richarlison, 28, has been important for the London club. In the summer, there were multiple reports that placed him away from the team, but in the end, he stayed and earned his place.

The striker records 10 goals and four assists in 36 matches across the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Champions League, and UEFA Super Cup. It should be noted that nine of those goals have been scored in the league, and the other was in the Champions League.

Tudor's men will try to be a goal machine today against Diego Simeone's team, but the reality is that everything is against the team resident at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. All eyes will be on Tudor.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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