Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk confronted referee Stuart Attwell after a controversial decision in their 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur during the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final.
The match, held at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, was decided by an 86th-minute goal from Lucas Bergvall, an 18-year-old who scored his first senior goal for Spurs. However, the game was overshadowed by a contentious incident involving Bergvall shortly before his decisive strike.
Liverpool players and fans were left fuming after Bergvall escaped a second yellow card for a foul on Kostas Tsimikas. Earlier in the match,
Bergvall had already been booked for a sliding tackle on Luis Diaz, and many felt his subsequent challenge warranted another caution. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Van Dijk did not hide his frustration, stating, “It was obvious it should’ve been a second yellow. Everyone on the sidelines could see it.”
Despite his criticism of the referee’s decision, Van Dijk made it clear that Liverpool’s defeat was not solely down to that moment. “I’m not saying that’s why we lost, but it was a key moment in the game,” he said, highlighting its potential impact on the match’s outcome.
He also praised Tottenham’s defensive resilience, acknowledging the difficulties his side faced in breaking down their opponents. “We had some good spells and chances, but we just couldn’t finish,” Van Dijk admitted.
Reflecting on Tottenham’s performance, Van Dijk noted the stark improvement in their defensive organization compared to their recent 6-3 loss to Liverpool. “They were much more solid defensively this time. We had our opportunities, but breaking them down wasn’t easy,” he added.
While the Dutch defender emphasized the need to move on, he also stressed the importance of learning from the mistakes made during the first leg.
With the second leg set to take place at Anfield, Van Dijk expressed confidence in Liverpool’s ability to overturn the narrow deficit and secure a spot in the final. “Now, our focus shifts to the second leg at Anfield,” he said, underlining the team’s determination to bounce back.
The second leg promises to be an intense showdown, as Liverpool aim to capitalize on their home advantage and overcome the slim 1-0 disadvantage.
Meanwhile, Tottenham will look to defend their lead and advance to the final, building on their strong display in the first leg.
