In a tightly contested Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, Tottenham Hotspur secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Liverpool at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, thanks to a late goal from 18-year-old Lucas Bergvall. The win gives Spurs a crucial advantage heading into the second leg at Anfield on February 6. However, the match was marred by controversy, particularly surrounding a key moment involving Bergvall just before he scored.

The match saw an early setback for Spurs as midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur was stretchered off due to a worrying injury, leaving the team to adjust their tactics. Liverpool's Dominic Solanke had a goal disallowed for offside, which was a contentious decision confirmed by VAR, marking a first in the UK where such a ruling was announced over the stadium's public address system. The atmosphere was charged with tension as both teams struggled to find their rhythm, with the usual offensive prowess from both sides missing in action.

Bergvall's decisive moment came in the 86th minute, following a controversial sliding challenge on Kostas Tsimikas that left Liverpool feeling aggrieved. With Tsimikas temporarily off the pitch receiving treatment, Bergvall capitalized on a defensive lapse to net the winner. Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk expressed frustration over the referee's decision-making, suggesting that Bergvall should have received a second yellow card for his earlier challenge. Despite the protests, the goal stood, and Spurs celebrated a vital win as they look to progress to the final.