Tottenham beats Liverpool in first leg of League Cup semifinal thanks to Bergvall goal

Lucas Bergvall scores first goal for Tottenham to secure 1-0 win over Liverpool in League Cup semi-final.

Lucas Bergvall scored his first goal for Tottenham Hotspur to give his side a 1-0 victory over holders Liverpool in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final on Wednesday (January 8, 2025).

The 18-year-old Swede rifled a superb finish past Liverpool keeper Alisson in the 86th minute to reward the injury-hit hosts who shortly before had seen a Dominic Solanke goal ruled out.

Liverpool, who beat Chelsea to win the competition for a 10th time last season, were nowhere near their best and could have few complaints as their 24-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end.

Arne Slot's side suffered only their second loss of the season but will still feel confident of turning around the tie in the second leg at Anfield next month.

Newcastle United beat Arsenal 2-0 away in the first leg of the other semi-final on Tuesday.

Tottenham had enjoyed only three wins in their past 14 games in all competitions with injuries decimating Ange Postecoglou's squad and when midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was taken off on a stretcher after a worrying fall early on, the omens looked poor for the hosts who gave a debut to new keeper Antonin Kinsky.

Liverpool won 6-3 at Tottenham in the Premier League before Christmas, but they looked lethargic for long periods on Wednesday despite finishing both halves strongly.