Bergvall gives Spurs League Cup semi-final lead over Liverpool
- Lucas Bergvall scored a late goal for Tottenham Hotspur, securing a 1-0 victory over Liverpool.
- Bergvall's goal was controversial as he had previously evaded a second yellow card following a foul.
- The victory gives Tottenham a narrow advantage heading into the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
In London on January 10, 2025, Tottenham Hotspur claimed a surprising 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. Lucas Bergvall, an 18-year-old Swede, scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute, giving the injury-hit Spurs an unexpected advantage. Earlier in the game, a potential goal from Dominic Solanke for Liverpool was ruled out, leading to further frustration for the visitors. Tottenham's injury woes were compounded when midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was stretchered off early on, prompting manager Ange Postecoglou to make tactical adjustments. Despite dominating possession, Liverpool struggled to convert their chances, with Mohamed Salah having an uncharacteristically quiet evening. Bergvall's late winner came amidst controversy, as he had already received a yellow card and avoided a second for a foul on Kostas Tsimikas just before scoring. This incident garnered strong reactions from Liverpool's coach Arne Slot, who expressed his discontent regarding the officiating decisions throughout the match. Nonetheless, Postecoglou defended the referee's choice, stating that playing advantage allowed Bergvall to remain in the game. Liverpool, who were looking to defend their title after winning the League Cup for a record 10th time the previous season, faced their first defeat under Arne Slot since September. Postecoglou's squad, buoyed by Bergvall's striking performance, now looks towards preparing for the second leg at Anfield next month, aware that they will need to maintain their defensive intensity to progress. Despite the victory, Spurs are reminded of their recent struggles against Liverpool in past encounters, with their last win at Anfield dating back to May 2011. For Liverpool, the loss marks not just an end to their 24-match unbeaten run across all competitions but also a challenge to regain their momentum as they focus on upcoming fixtures. Virgil van Dijk downplayed the impact of the contentious winner as motivation for the second leg, emphasizing the team's integrity and focus on upcoming matches, including their immediate challenge in the FA Cup against Accrington. Both teams now must navigate the implications of this match as they prepare for the return leg and other critical fixtures ahead.