Brazilian player, Lucas Moura, celebrated after scoring a brace (Image via: TEAMtalk)

Tottenham Follows After Liverpool, Hattrick for Moura

AMSTERDAM - Tottenham Hotspurs is set to play Liverpool in the UCL’s final, after producing one of the most magnificent comebacks against Ajax, winning 3-3 by aggregate on away goals. For the first time in their history, The Spurs reached the final against its compatriot.

Playing at Ajax’s home turf, Johan Cruyff Arena, The Lilywhites bore a heavy weight on their shoulders, since Ajax beat them at their own turf last week (1/5).
In the first half, Ajax played their “total football” strategy confidently. De Godenzonen did not have to wait long for their first goal, as Matthijs de Ligt brought one for the team. Utilizing the corner kick, he produced a powerful header, catching Hugo Lloris off guard.

At the 32nd minute, Victor Wanyama seems to need treatment, before finally coming back onto the pitch, playing on.

Hakim Ziyech widened the distance between the teams by scoring another beautiful first-touch goal. From a nice pass by Kasper Dolberg, Ziyech immediately bent the ball, upon receiving it, beyond Lloris’ reach. The first half then ended with 2-0 for the host. The match seemed over for Pochettino’s side, as Ajax was leading 3-0 by aggregate.

The second half started, and the Spurs were looking livelier than they were in the first half. Fernando Llorente was brought to play, substituting Wanyama in fear of injury.

Ten minutes into the second half, Lucas Moura, purchased from PSG by Tottenham, brought the spark back to Spurs after hitting the ball beyond Andre Onana’s reach into the net. From Dele Alli’s spectacular play, Moura brought the ball into the penalty box and just kick it low.

The goal somehow gave confidence to Lucas Moura. He did not need to wait long, just 4 minutes from the first goal. At the 59th minute, Lucas Moura scored a brace for The Spurs. Amid Ajax’s desperate defense effort, Lucas Moura managed to steal the ball back at a crucial area, the penalty box, and hit the ball powerfully into the inside left corner of the net, passing through De Jong’s legs and just beyond Onana’s reach. The aggregate was 3-2 for The Spurs.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2019/may/08/ajax-v-tottenham-hotspur-champions-league-semi-final-second-leg-live?page=with:block-5cd2b3688f087d3be878598b#liveblog-navigation