Tottenham Hotspur claimed a narrow 1-0 victory over Liverpool in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Lucas Bergvall’s late goal secured the win, but the match was overshadowed by controversy, leaving Liverpool frustrated and searching for answers.
Bergvall, an 18-year-old sensation, made the decisive contribution just four minutes from time. However, Liverpool argued he should not have been on the pitch after a questionable challenge on Kostas Tsimikas went unpunished. Already on a yellow card, Bergvall caught Tsimikas late in a tackle missed by referee Stuart Attwell. Moments later, with Tsimikas off the pitch receiving treatment, Bergvall capitalized to score the winner.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot was visibly furious at the incident, earning a caution for his protests. The loss marked only the second defeat for Liverpool under Slot, who has led the Premier League leaders with remarkable consistency this season.
Despite the controversy, Tottenham deserved their win. Pedro Porro squandered an excellent opportunity early in the match, and Dominic Solanke had a goal disallowed for offside. Liverpool, meanwhile, struggled to create clear chances, with their best effort coming late in the game when substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold’s strike was heroically cleared off the line by Radu Dragusin.
For Liverpool, the performance was disappointing, especially given their dominant form in the league. The absence of a cutting edge in attack and defensive lapses will be concerns as they prepare to host Spurs in the return leg at Anfield.
The match also featured a worrying moment for Tottenham’s Rodrigo Bentancur, who was stretchered off in the opening minutes after collapsing in the penalty area. Bentancur was treated for 10 minutes on the pitch and later confirmed to be conscious and communicating in the hospital, where he will undergo further tests.
Tottenham, already missing 10 players due to injuries and illness, showcased resilience under manager Ange Postecoglou, securing an advantage to take to Liverpool’s fortress at Anfield. For Liverpool, the second leg will be a crucial opportunity to overturn the deficit and keep their hopes of Carabao Cup glory alive.