Tottenham Hotspur went into the game last night facing one of the biggest matches in their history, they came out having won one of the most infamous ties in Champions League history.
Spurs took a narrow 1-0 lead into the second leg at the Etihad, but were without both star man Harry Kane and midfield maestro Harry Winks.
However, Tottenham managed to salvage a 4-3 result late on, which took the through on away goals despite the loss on the night.
Here are five things we learned from the match:
It’s never over until it’s over-
With just minutes left on the clock, Christian Eriksen bizarrely gave the ball away in Tottenham’s own half instead of hoofing it clear. The resulting ball sent Aguero free into the box, before he rolled it to Sterling to finish. This goal would see Man City qualify for the semi finals, breaking the hearts of millions of Spurs fans. However, after the goal was sent to VAR, it was noticed that Aguero was actually offside. Spurs hung on and qualified for their first ever semi final.
No Kane, no problem-
A huge round of applause must go to Heung Min Son once again. The South Korea lapped up every last drop of pressure in Kane’s absence and delivered on the night. Son scored two goals in the opening 10 minutes of so to go along with his strike in the first leg. That made it 12 goals this season when Kane has not been in the team for the winger. He then also saw out his defensive duties to get Spurs over the line too.
Llorente is a hero-
The big Spaniard has had some low moments in a Spurs shirt, but he has been immense this season. Fernando has also stepped up in the absence of Kane and scored some crucial goals in both the Champions League and Premier League. Last night made it three Champions League goal involvements this season, including the third against Dortmund and the all important final goal last night.
What a team performance-
Spurs were always going to be up against it last night, but they bravely set out to be dangerous themselves too. Sonny and Lucas Moura got in behind time and time again in the first half, and looked a constant threat. However, after Sissoko’s injury, and without a recognised senior central midfield replacement, Tottenham’s shape and game plan was ruined. Poch moved Alli back into a holding role and put on Fernando Llorente. Despite players playing out of position and more defensively than they would have liked, Tottenham dug deep and did what needed to be done.
The first ever-
Let’s leave you on this thought… Tottenham Hotspur have qualified for their first ever Champions League semi final!
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