Tottenham's Mauricio Pochettino praises team for "important" win over Real Madrid

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has hailed his players - Dele Alli in particular - for their display in Wednesday night's victory over Real Madrid.

The North London side qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League with an impressive 3-1 win over the Spanish giants at Wembley.

Alli returned from his UEFA ban to score twice, while Christian Eriksen also got on the scoresheet to help Spurs beat the current holders of the competition.

"I'm very proud of my players and I congratulate them. I'm so pleased for Dele and our fans," Pochettino told BT Sport. "The victory is so important for us and the players. It's a win over Real so it's great for the club and fans. There's a long way to go until the end of the season. What's important is trying to achieve our challenge and target.

"Of course this win gives us great belief for everyone and confidence. We are now in the next stage of the Champions League, but now it's so important to compete against Crystal Palace [next weekend]. Like a manager you can't stop thinking."

Spurs have not suffered one defeat in their European campaign so far this season.