Liverpool suffered a controversial defeat in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night.
Lucas Bergvall scored the decisive goal in the 86th minute, just moments after narrowly avoiding a second yellow card for a reckless challenge on Kostas Tsimikas.
The loss marked only the second under Arne Slot, leaving the Reds needing to overturn a one-goal deficit in the second leg at Anfield next month.
Player Ratings:
Alisson Becker – 6
Made an early save from Dragusin but was overly risky with his distribution, partly due to poor passes from teammates. Survived a second-half scare under pressure from Bergvall.
Conor Bradley – 6
Looked nervous on his first start in six weeks, struggling initially but improving as the game progressed. Faded in the second half and was substituted.
Jarell Quansah – 5
Made some dangerous errors in possession but often recovered well. Substituted after 30 minutes due to illness.
Virgil van Dijk – 8
Commanded a makeshift backline, partnering Quansah, Endo, and later Konate. A composed and vital presence, especially in the second half.
Kostas Tsimikas – 6
Recovered from an early mistake and delivered threatening set-pieces and crosses. Was off the field receiving treatment for Bergvall’s foul when Tottenham scored.
Ryan Gravenberch – 6
Showed some neat passing and interceptions but was inconsistent in his defensive duties before improving after the break.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7
Missed a first-half header but was Liverpool’s most active and creative player in midfield. Substituted late on.
Curtis Jones – 5
Strong in early challenges but faded significantly. Had little impact apart from a late penalty shout in injury time.
Mohamed Salah – 6
Struggled to find his rhythm, missing a chance and spending much of the game chasing overhit passes. Slightly improved in the second half.
Diogo Jota – 5
Dropped deep to link play at times but received minimal service and had little involvement overall. Substituted.
Cody Gakpo – 7
Created Salah’s first-half chance and worked tirelessly down the left, generating opportunities as the game progressed. Substituted.
Substitutes:
Wataru Endo (for Quansah, 30) – 7
Adapted well to an unfamiliar role at center-back and later shifted to midfield, showing good positioning throughout.
Darwin Nunez (for Jota, 60) – 7
Injected energy into Liverpool’s attack, forcing three saves from Kinsky.
Trent Alexander-Arnold (for Bradley, 60) – 6
Had a shot cleared off the line and was greeted warmly by the away fans.
Luis Diaz (for Gakpo, 60) – 6
Had promising moments on the left but hesitated to take more shots.
Ibrahima Konate (for Mac Allister, 80)
Gained additional match fitness in a late cameo.
