Tottenham Beats Liverpool 1-0: Bergvall's Late Goal Secures Carabao Cup Semi-Final First-Leg Win

In the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final on January 8, 2025, Tottenham Hotspur secured a 1-0 victory over Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The decisive moment came in the 86th minute when 18-year-old Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall scored his first goal for the club, delivering a powerful finish past Liverpool's goalkeeper Alisson.

Earlier in the match, Liverpool's Dominic Solanke had a goal disallowed, which could have shifted the momentum in favor of the visitors.

The match was not without controversy. Liverpool's captain, Virgil van Dijk, expressed frustration over a refereeing decision involving Bergvall. Shortly before scoring, Bergvall committed a foul that many, including van Dijk, believed warranted a second yellow card, which would have resulted in his dismissal. The referee's decision to let play continue became a significant talking point post-match.

Tottenham's victory was further highlighted by the impressive debut of 21-year-old Czech goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky. Signed recently from Slavia Prague, Kinsky made several crucial saves to keep a clean sheet, earning praise for his composure and shot-stopping abilities. His emotional celebration with family members after the match underscored the significance of the occasion.

This win ended Liverpool's 24-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, setting up an intriguing second leg at Anfield, where Liverpool will aim to overturn the deficit. The return fixture is scheduled for February, with both teams vying for a spot in the Carabao Cup final.