HARRY Redknapp has outlined the importance for Tottenham to qualify for Champions League football once again this season by finishing inside the top four.

Spurs were dumped out of Europe's elite competition by Real Madrid 5-0 on aggregate, with Cristiano Ronaldo's goal sealing a 1-0 win at White Hart Lane in the second leg of the quarter-final last night, following the drubbing at the Bernabeu the previous week.

Tottenham are just three points behind Manchester City, who occupy the final Champions League place, and have a game in hand, while they must also meet the Eastlands outfit before the end of the season.

“It's very difficult to retain that top-four spot,” said Redknapp. “But that's something we've got to aim to do at Tottenham.

“We've got to be up there every year. We should be. If we can make the top four again, it would be a great achievement.

“It will be even harder this year than it was last year because of the improvement Man City have made.

“I still think we've got a big chance. We've got tough games. We've got Arsenal next week, then we've got Chelsea, we've got to go to Man City.

“But they are great games to look forward to and it's good to be in there playing these games and having something to play for still.

“It's better than sitting 12th in the league. It's got the makings of a good end of season again.”