How Tottenham Masterfully Overcame Ajax to Seal Final Berth
May 9, 2019
Tottenham came from behind to defeat high flying Ajax to seal their place in the final.
If you thought Liverpool’s comeback against Barcelona was remarkable, then you need to see Tottenham’s comeback against Ajax. Utterly breathtaking!
Tottenham Hotspurs entered into the second leg of the Champions League semifinal on the back of three consecutive defeats in all competitions. They had last lost the first leg at home to Ajax and needed a miracle to beat the young Dutch team in Holland.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men were up against a well-rested team who eliminated defending champions Real Madrid, and string favourites Juventus. They knew that it was only a win that could guarantee them a place in the final, but how would they go about it.
The task became even more difficult when Ajax’s captain De Ligt scored a header to put Ajax ahead and Hakeem Ziyech added another. By the first half Ajax was 2-0 up, and Tottenham was yet to score.
In the beginning, Tottenham lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Lucas Moura upfront, with Son and Eriksen flanking him. At halftime, Pochettino removed Wanyama and subbed in Llorente. That meant that Son and Moura had to move out wide.
That tactical masterstroke proved viral as Tottenham began to create chances and Lucas Moura scored two goals in quick succession. The tables had turned, and Ajax started panicking. Deep into injury time, Lucas Moura yet again pounced on a loose ball and found the bottom left corner.
The Brazilian scored an incredible hat trick and Tottenham have booked their place in the Champions League final in Madrid. What’s incredible is that Tottenham was able to do this without their main striker Harry Kane, and with so many injuries. Mauricio Pochettino knew that he has to go for the win and had to go all-out. They were also fortunate that Ajax struck the post later in the second half.
It was a sad loss for the young, brave and talented Ajax team, but they lost honourably.
Tottenham was fearless, committed, focused and above all took their chances, that’s how they defeated Ajax.
Also Read:
3 greatest comebacks in the UEFA Champions League
Only a miracle can win Liverpool the Premier League this season
3 Clubs That Need to Spend Money during the Summer Transfer window
This article is brought to us by our Sports Writers Club resident columnist – Collins Michael Nwokolo. Follow him on Twitter and Pinterest.
