Tottenham Hotspur edged closer to the Carabao Cup final, securing a 1-0 victory against Liverpool on January 9, 2025. The semi-final first leg took place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the win means Tottenham can progress to the finals with just a draw or win in the second leg on February 7 at Anfield.
Teenager Lucas Berival scored the only goal of the match, showing promise as he netted his first goal since joining Tottenham earlier this season. He found the back of the net after 41 minutes, converting with precision after receiving the ball from Dominic Solanke, following good work to outmaneuver Liverpool's defense.
Star player Son Heung-min contributed 72 minutes before being substituted. Despite creating chances and displaying his usual determination, he was unable to find the net, extending his goal drought to five matches. This match carried significant weight for both Tottenham and Son, who has yet to achieve silverware since joining the club, with the last major trophy for Tottenham dating back to 2008.
Head coach Ange Postecoglou had made squad rotation decisions leading up to this clash, signaling the importance of this Carabao Cup campaign. Despite struggling in the league, Tottenham defeated prestigious clubs such as Manchester City and Manchester United to reach the semi-finals, showcasing their resilience.
Liverpool, sitting at the top of the Premier League, was hoping to maintain their momentum from previous fixtures. The match witnessed Liverpool’s struggles as they failed to capitalize on set pieces and fast breaks, unable to find the back of the net even when presented with opportunities. With Mohamed Salah and Diogo Jota leading their offense, Liverpool could not break through Tottenham's resolute defense, emphasizing the visitors' tactical challenges throughout the game.
During the match, dominant aerial duels and physical engagements characterized the 90-minute encounter as both sides sought supremacy on the field. An early concern for Tottenham arose when midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur fell to the ground after a challenging corner kick situation, forcing him to be replaced by Brennan Johnson. Liverpool, on the other hand, faced challenges as players like Mohamed Salah also had moments where injuries or fouls interrupted their rhythm.
The matchstatistics revealed Liverpool's dominance with 57% possession, yet Tottenham's solid defensive structure and counter-attacking prowess led them to capitalize when it mattered most. Tottenham used quick transitions from defense to offense effectively, illustrating the team's strategic setup under Postecoglou.
Post-match, coach Postecoglou expressed satisfaction with the performance, acknowledging the team's hard work and determination to overcome their recent league struggles, stating, “It’s important for us to build momentum, and this win is a significant step toward our goal.”
The upcoming second leg at Liverpool's Anfield offers both teams another chance to prove their strengths. A full-blooded contest is expected as Tottenham aims to secure the necessary result to reach the final, potentially bringing Son and the squad just one match away from ending their long trophy drought.
Overall, this encounter not only sets the stage for the forthcoming second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final but also continues to underpin the competitiveness and rich narrative underlying this year’s edition of the tournament. Fans historically regard the rivalry between Tottenham and Liverpool as one steeped with excitement, and this semi-final clash is no exception, promising dramatic football and unprecedented stakes.