- Tottenham secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Liverpool in London
- Rodrigo Bentancur collapsed early in the match, leading to a nine-minute medical stoppage
- Lucas Bergvall scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute amid controversy
- Liverpool struggled for the second game in a row, while Spurs looked the more motivated side
- The return leg at Anfield is set for February 6, with Arsenal or Newcastle awaiting the winner in the final
Key Takeaways:
Tottenham took a significant step towards the Carabao Cup final with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Liverpool in London. The match got off to a grim start as Rodrigo Bentancur collapsed lifelessly on the pitch during a sixth-minute corner. Attempting to connect with the cross, the Uruguayan missed the ball and fell unconscious. The game was halted immediately, and Bentancur received urgent medical attention before being stretchered off and replaced by Brennan Johnson. At half-time Tottenham announced that Bentancur is conscious and can talk.
Lucas Bergvall's first Tottenham goal gives Spurs the lead against Liverpool in the EFL Cup semifinals 😤 pic.twitter.com/otv6CQbvV0
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 8, 2025
The only goal of the game came in the 86th minute when Lucas Bergvall found the back of the net. However, it was a controversial one, as Bergvall, already on a yellow card, committed a foul moments earlier that many believed warranted a second booking and dismissal. Despite the complaints, the goal stood, giving Spurs the edge in the two-legged tie.
Liverpool failed to deliver their usual level of performance for the second consecutive match. Meanwhile, Tottenham, still in search of their first trophy since 2008, appeared more determined and focused. Spurs eliminated both Manchester clubs en route to this stage, while Liverpool defeated West Ham, Brighton, and Southampton to reach the semifinal.
The return leg at Anfield on February 6 promises to be a high-stakes affair. The winner will face either Arsenal or Newcastle in the final, with Newcastle gaining an early advantage in their tie after a 2-0 away win. Adding intrigue to the rivalry, Liverpool previously thrashed Tottenham 6-3 in a Premier League match at the same venue just before Christmas. This time, however, Spurs had the last laugh, giving themselves a slim but vital advantage ahead of the decisive second leg.