Tottenham Beats Liverpool 1-0 in League Cup Semifinal
Tottenham secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the League Cup semifinal first leg, with Lucas Bergvall's late goal proving decisive.
Tottenham Hotspur claimed a crucial 1-0 win over Liverpool in the first leg of the League Cup semifinals, with the decisive goal coming from 18-year-old midfielder Lucas Bergvall. The match, held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, showcased intense competition and late drama, setting the stage for an exciting second leg at Anfield.
The game’s pivotal moment arrived in the 86th minute when Bergvall, receiving a precise pass from Dominic Solanke, calmly slotted the ball past Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker. This marked Bergvall's first goal for Tottenham, further cementing his reputation as a rising star in European football.
The match was not without controversy. Earlier in the game, Solanke had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside, much to Liverpool’s frustration. Additionally, Bergvall escaped a potential second yellow card just minutes before scoring, a decision that drew heated protests from Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his staff.
Tottenham’s victory was overshadowed by a serious injury to midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur, who suffered a head injury in an aerial challenge. Bentancur was immediately stretchered off and taken to the hospital, though initial reports suggest he is now stable and recovering.
Despite the setback, Tottenham displayed resilience throughout the match, with strong performances from their defensive unit led by Cristian Romero and Hugo Lloris. Liverpool, meanwhile, struggled to convert opportunities, with their attacking trio unable to breach Tottenham's disciplined backline.
As the teams prepare for the second leg on February 6 at Anfield, Tottenham will aim to defend their narrow lead, while Liverpool will look to overturn the deficit in front of their home crowd. The second leg promises to be a thrilling encounter, with both sides vying for a spot in the League Cup final.