Tottenham Hotspur took a vital step toward the Carabao Cup final with a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of the semi-final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. A late goal from teenager Lucas Bergvall secured the win, leaving the tie finely poised for the second leg at Anfield.
Key Moments
Bergvall’s Late Heroics
The decisive moment came in the 86th minute when 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall, making his mark in senior football, scored the winning goal. Bergvall latched onto a Dominic Solanke assist, slotting the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker to give Spurs a slender advantage.
Controversial Officiating
Bergvall’s contribution to the game was not without controversy. Earlier in the match, the young midfielder was involved in a contentious incident when he committed a foul on Kostas Tsimikas, which many believed warranted a second yellow card. The referee opted to keep him on the pitch, a decision that left Liverpool furious, particularly after he scored the match-winner.
Disallowed Goal
Liverpool thought they had taken the lead in the second half when Dominic Solanke found the back of the net. However, VAR intervened, ruling the goal offside and keeping the score level until Bergvall’s late strike.
Serious Injury to Bentancur
The match was overshadowed by a serious injury to Tottenham midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur. The Uruguayan international was stretchered off in the first half after a lengthy stoppage for treatment. While reports confirmed that Bentancur was conscious and communicating, he is set to undergo further medical evaluations to determine the extent of his injury.
What They Said
Arne Slot (Liverpool Manager)
The Liverpool boss expressed frustration with the officiating, particularly regarding the decision not to send off Bergvall. “The match could have been very different with a fairer call, but we still have the second leg to make things right,” Slot stated.
Ange Postecoglou (Tottenham Manager)
Tottenham’s manager praised his team’s resilience and Bergvall’s maturity. “Lucas showed great composure in a high-pressure moment. We still have work to do, but this is a good result against a top side,” Postecoglou said.
Looking Ahead
The second leg at Anfield on February 6, 2025, promises to be an intense affair. Liverpool will aim to overturn the one-goal deficit and keep their hopes of retaining the Carabao Cup alive. Meanwhile, Tottenham will look to defend their advantage and secure a place in the final, potentially ending their trophy drought dating back to 2008.
Conclusion
Tottenham’s narrow victory sets the stage for a dramatic second leg. While Spurs hold the advantage, Liverpool’s home form and attacking firepower ensure the tie is far from over. With high stakes and the prospect of silverware on the line, fans can expect another thrilling chapter in this Carabao Cup semi-final showdown.