In a dramatic Carabao Cup semi-final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, Lucas Bergvall’s late goal gave Spurs the edge, sending their supporters into a frenzy and leaving Liverpool fuming. The match had been building to a tense climax when Dominic Solanke thought he had put Tottenham ahead, but his goal was ruled out for offside by VAR. However, the narrative took a twist when Bergvall, who had already been booked for a foul on Kostas Tsimikas, scored a brilliant strike in the dying moments of the match, securing a 1-0 lead for Spurs.
The game had already seen a number of key moments. Tottenham’s manager, Ange Postecoglou, faced selection challenges, while Liverpool’s Arne Slot had left several key players behind for their previous quarter-final match. The match started slowly, with Liverpool making a series of errors. Tottenham’s early injury concerns also added to the tension, as Rodrigo Bentancur was stretchered off after a collision. Postecoglou responded by shifting to a 4-3-3 formation, with Brennan Johnson replacing Bentancur and Bergvall playing high in midfield.
As the match progressed, Liverpool grew into the game, with full-back Conor Bradley providing a driving force. However, despite their increased possession, they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Tottenham’s goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, making his debut after joining from Slavia Prague, had a nervy start but showed resilience. He made crucial saves, including a dramatic clearance off the line after a powerful shot from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The match saw more chances for both sides, with Spurs coming close through a blocked shot from Pedro Porro and a near-miss from Bergvall. Liverpool, meanwhile, introduced key players like Alexander-Arnold, Luis Díaz, and Darwin Núñez in an attempt to push for an equalizer. Despite their efforts, they were unable to break through, and the match ended with Bergvall’s late strike proving to be the difference.
The victory gives Tottenham a crucial advantage going into the second leg, while Liverpool will feel aggrieved at the referee’s decisions and their inability to convert chances. The game was a tense affair, with both teams showing moments of brilliance and frustration, and it sets the stage for an exciting return leg in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
