Tottenham Hotspur travelled to Amsterdam to clash heads with AFC Ajax at the Johan Cruyff ArenA earlier tonight looking to make up a 1-0 deficit from the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semifinal tie. Spurs made a mediocre start to the game and got punished in the first half when the home team scored two goals through Matthijs de Ligt’s header and a stunning finish from Hakim Ziyech.
However, Lucas Moura gave the visitors some hope when he scored in the 55th minute. It was the Brazilian speedster who found the back of the net again just four minutes later to put the away fans in a state of frenzy.
Tottenham squandered some brilliant chances to score the equaliser but still managed to register the winner in the 95th minute when Moura completed his hattrick to put his team into the Champions League final in dramatic fashion. The match ended with the final scoreline of 2-3 in favour of Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
Let’s take a look at how each Spurs player performed during the match against Ajax.
GK: Hugo Lloris – 7/10
The French keeper pulled off a few crucial saves during the game to keep his side in the contest. He played a vital role in determining the fate of this dramatic semifinal tonight.
RB: Kieran Trippier – 5/10
The English defender was at fault for each of Ajax’s two goals tonight. He looked a bit short on confidence while defending in his own half.
CB: Toby Alderweireld – 7/10
He commanded his box with authority and conviction. Alderweireld had a good outing despite conceding a couple of goals in the first half.
CB: Jan Vertonghen – 6/10
The Belgian international looked assured in defence but was guilty of squandering a great opportunity to equalise in the dying embers of the contest. Fortunately, Lucas Moura saved his blushes on the night.
LB: Danny Rose – 7/10
The English full-back was a constant threat for the Ajax defenders down the left wing. He got cautioned but fought hard and never stopped running.
CM: Moussa Sissoko – 7.5/10
Sissoko’s selfless, powerful runs from midfield stretched the Ajax defence which created openings for his teammates. It was an impressive display from Spurs’ unsung hero.
CM: Victor Wanyama – 4/10
He struggled to make an impact in the game, so Pochettino subbed him out at half-time.
RM: Christian Eriksen – 5.5/10
The Danish playmaker had an off night as he struggled to create any meaningful chances in the opposition half.
CAM: Dele Alli – 8/10
Alli was a creative force while operating in the number 10 position. He played on the shoulders of Moura and set-up two of the Brazilian’s three goals on the night.
LM: Heung-Min Son – 6/10
The South-Korean winger was unfortunate that his goal-bound attempt hit the post. Overall, it was a very ordinary performance from him which will disappoint Pochettino.
ST: Lucas Moura – 10/10
The Brazilian forward scored three second-half goals, and all three of his strikes were exceptional finishes. Spurs fans will remember his hattrick tonight for years to come. Moura put in a complete man of the match display tonight.
Substitutes:
ST: Fernando Llorente – 7/10
The Spaniard’s physical presence completely changed the game in the second half. He dominated the Ajax defenders in the air and played a part in the lead up to Moura’s winning goal in injury-time.
RM: Erik Lamela – N/A
The Argentine winger didn’t have enough time to make an impact.
LB: Ben Davies – N/A
He had very little time to influence the game.
