Mauricio Pochettino has congratulated his Tottenham Hotspur players for their 2-2 draw with Juventus and claimed that his side "deserved a victory" on Tuesday night.

Spurs conceded twice in the opening nine minutes of their Champions League last-16 first leg in Turin as Gonzalo Higuain volleyed home before then converting a penalty.

However, the visitors struck back through Harry Kane and Christian Eriksen, while Higuain missed a spot kick for the hosts with the last kick of the first half.

"Fantastic game," Pochettino told BT Sport at full time. "We were sloppy and conceded two goals in nine minutes, but the character we showed was fantastic.

"I want to congratulate the players - 2-0 down in Turin to a team so difficult to break down. We deserved a victory more than a draw.

"We are more mature now. In the last few weeks, the team are growing and have stepped up. It's a good example of the capacity we have.

"The team was amazing in how they reacted. You need some luck always in football. The tie is open, Juventus are a massive team. We have the hope we can win in Wembley."

Spurs meet Juve in the second leg at England's national stadium on Wednesday, March 7.