Tottenham 1-0 Liverpool: Spurs Take First-Leg Advantage in Carabao Cup Semi-Final

Spurs Edge Closer to Wembley

Tottenham Hotspur earned a narrow 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, thanks to Lucas Bergvall’s decisive second-half goal. With this slender advantage, Ange Postecoglou’s side heads to Anfield next month with momentum, though Liverpool remain very much in the tie.

How the Game Unfolded

Tottenham started brightly and nearly took an early lead through Radu Dragusin, whose effort was well saved by Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson. However, the game was disrupted early on when Rodrigo Bentancur suffered a serious head/neck injury and had to be stretchered off. Fortunately, it was later confirmed that he was conscious and talking.

Despite the stoppages, Spurs were the better side for much of the first half. Liverpool, fielding a near full-strength lineup, struggled to assert themselves but grew into the contest as halftime approached. However, Tottenham’s debutant goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky was rarely troubled in the opening 45 minutes.

The second half followed a similar pattern. Spurs missed a golden chance when Pedro Porro failed to capitalize on a mistake by Alisson, with Virgil van Dijk blocking brilliantly. Liverpool made attacking substitutions, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, who saw his goal-bound effort cleared off the line by Dragusin.

Tottenham thought they had scored when Dominic Solanke found the net, only for VAR to rule the goal offside. However, Solanke turned provider late on, setting up Bergvall, who held off Ibrahima Konate and finished coolly past Alisson.

Liverpool pushed for an equalizer, but Spurs held firm, with Kinsky making a crucial stoppage-time save to deny Darwin Nunez, ensuring Tottenham’s slim advantage heading into the second leg.

Key Talking Points

Liverpool’s Struggles in North London:
Liverpool looked uncharacteristically sluggish, struggling to break down Tottenham’s defensive setup. Passes went astray, and their usually potent attack was kept in check. Despite these struggles, the tie remains open with the second leg at Anfield, where Liverpool will aim to overturn the deficit.

Bergvall’s Match-Winning Display:
Lucas Bergvall, Tottenham’s 18-year-old midfielder, stepped up when it mattered most. Operating in a disciplined midfield role after Bentancur’s injury, Bergvall impressed with his tireless effort off the ball and composure in front of goal. His performance epitomized the bravery and confidence instilled by Postecoglou.

Kinsky’s Memorable Debut:
21-year-old goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky made an immediate impression on his Tottenham debut. Confident in possession and assured between the posts, Kinsky’s late heroics, including a brilliant save to deny Nunez, proved vital in preserving Spurs’ lead.

What’s Next?

Tottenham head to Anfield in February with a narrow lead, but Liverpool’s home advantage and past comebacks at this stage of the competition mean the tie is far from over. Spurs will need to replicate their disciplined defensive display to secure a spot in the Carabao Cup final.