Tottenham vs Liverpool EFL Cup Report

Scorers: Bergvall 86’

Tottenham Hotspur edged out defending EFL Cup holders Liverpool with a dramatic 1-0 victory in the first leg of their semi-final clash.

A late strike from Lucas Bergvall gave Spurs a vital advantage, snapping Liverpool’s nine-match unbeaten run in the competition and putting Ange Postecoglou’s side within touching distance of a long-awaited trophy.

Early Promise Overshadowed by Injuries

The game marked a second goalkeeping debut in as many matches for Spurs, with new signing Antonin Kinský stepping in as Postecoglou navigated a squad riddled with injuries and suspensions.

Despite the challenges, Tottenham started brightly, with Son Heung-min coming close to opening the scoring after Radu Drăgușin redirected his effort goalwards.

However, the early momentum was stifled by a lengthy stoppage following Rodrigo Bentancur’s injury, which saw the midfielder stretchered off to a subdued atmosphere.

Liverpool had a rare chance midway through the first half when Mohamed Salah dragged a first-time shot wide.

Yet, both sides struggled to establish a rhythm, and an injury to Jarell Quansah further disrupted proceedings, leaving the teams with just two recognised centre-backs between them. A cagey first half ended goalless, with neither side able to take control.

Second Half: Spurs Capitalise on Liverpool Error

Postecoglou’s high-octane style has yet to yield a 0-0 draw since his arrival, and that trend looked set to continue after the break. A moment of hesitation from Alisson almost gifted Tottenham the lead.

The Liverpool goalkeeper dithered on the ball under pressure from Lucas Bergvall, allowing Pedro Porro an opportunity to loft a shot goalward, but the effort drifted just wide.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot responded with a triple substitution on the hour mark, introducing Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, and Trent Alexander-Arnold in search of a breakthrough. Alexander-Arnold came closest, forcing a goal-line clearance from Drăgușin following a sharp effort from a tight angle.

Later, Dominic Solanke thought he had netted the winner for Liverpool against his former club, but VAR intervened, ruling him offside and maintaining the stalemate.

Bergvall’s Heroics Seal the Win

The match seemed destined for a draw until a dramatic late twist. Solanke chased a long ball into Tottenham’s attacking third, cleverly laying it off to Bergvall.

The Swedish youngster, who had impressed throughout, calmly swept home his first goal for the club, sparking jubilant celebrations at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The strike not only secured a vital first-leg lead but also ended Liverpool’s unbeaten away run, which had stretched back to April. Spurs, now unbeaten at home in their last six EFL Cup matches, hold the upper hand heading into the second leg at Anfield.

What’s Next?

Tottenham travel to Anfield for the second leg, knowing a draw would be enough to send them to the final and potentially end their 17-year trophy drought.

Liverpool, meanwhile, must rediscover their attacking edge to overturn the deficit and keep their dream of back-to-back EFL Cup triumphs alive.

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