One day, we get to see a movie-like comeback from Liverpool to steal the finals from Barcelona, followed by Tottenham final goal to defeat Ajax at their home ground, thus advancing into the finals of UCL for the first time in their history. Football really is a beautiful game.
(L-R) Toby Alderweireld of Tottenham Hotspur, Lucas Moura of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Champions League semi final match Ajax Amsterdam and Tottenham Hotspur FC at the Johan Cruijff Arena on May 08, 2019 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Tottenham, a team that no one expected to go that far into the Champions League, a team that could be in the fight for the EPL title, and lost it all, and a team that despite boasting a strong squad always seem to fail to perform well on the grand stage wrote history on Wednesday, when they defeated Ajax in the 2nd leg at Johan Cruijff Arena. Before the match, Tottenham’s chances to advance looked slim, especially looking at what they have shown in the 1st leg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and of course the fact that they were without their star striker, the skills of whom they desperately needed to overcome a goal deficit… or did they?
Let’s take a look at how the match played out.
The players arrived at the pitch, got to their positions and the match started. The atmosphere was incredible, the stadium filled to the last seat with Ajax and Tottenham fans, who were hoping they will witness their team advancing in what will be a historic achievement for both sides. Ajax needed to defend a goal lead they got in the 1st leg, while it was Tottenham who had a hard task of catching up to the young and talented Ajax. As it was expected, we saw a dominant performance from Ajax in the opening minutes, who came close to extending their lead on several. In fact, Ajax managed to score a goal only 4 minutes in, but it was disallowed. In the remaining minutes, we saw plenty of opportunities from both sides, however, it was Ajax who once again used their chances better, which led to the 2nd goal in the 35th minute. That meant Ajax were 3 goals up in the aggregate score, with only 55 minutes left for Tottenham to produce a miracle and score 3 goals.
Tottenham Hotspur celebrate the victory during the UEFA Champions League semi final match Ajax Amsterdam and Tottenham Hotspur FC at the Johan Cruijff Arena on May 08, 2019 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands(Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
I do not believe Tottenham players are some kind of wizards that can make miracles come true, but now, I am sure they are an exceptional team who can turn hopes into reality. That is exactly what happened in the second half, which can only be described as one of the best 45 minutes of football the world has ever seen. Period.
Teams headed back to the pitch for the second half with two completely different goals in their minds. Ajax needed to drag out the match to hold on to the 3 goal lead, while it was Spurs who had a hard task ahead of them, which was to score 3 goals without Kane and without conceding another goal. Their task of scoring 3 times needed to start somewhere, and it did. Only 10 minutes into the 2nd half Spurs finally managed to defeat Ajax defence and scored a goal. It was Lucas, who got his team back into the race with a great goal, however, he decided he was not done there, Lucas needed only 4 more minutes to score once more, only this time from a much tougher spot, but with the same result. Getting themselves only 1 goal away from eternal glory, Spurs started a domino effect, which crushed Ajax. They had momentum on their side, while Ajax had 1 goal lead.
Spurs pushed with all their might for the remaining minutes but failed to score a game-winning goal. They did everything they can and more, but the ball just wouldn’t find its way into the Ajax net and with the 90th minute fast approaching, their hopes of defeating Ajax slowly faded away. But you know what they say, the best sports moments are written in the final seconds of the match, which held true in Amsterdam. What happened next could be used in a movie plot. 5 minutes added time, Spurs have the ball, the ball finds Lucas at the edge of the penalty box in the 4:59 minute of added time and he scored!
Here’s Lucas Moura’s third goal for Tottenham against Ajax… Celine’d and with BT Sport commentary.#COYSpic.twitter.com/odErZfLiv0
Causing outright chaos among Tottenham fans, players and supporters all around the world. He did it, they did it, Tottenham finally tamed the Netherlands’ lion, who has been terrorizing some of the best European clubs in the world. Ajax fell on their own soil and Tottenham rose from ashes like a phoenix.
With incredible show from Lucas, who scored a hat-trick in a match that earned his team the first-ever Champions League finals appearance, there is only one question I have; where would he like to have his statue placed?
