EFL Cup: Tottenham edge Liverpool 1-0 in semi-final first leg

Tottenham Hotspur claimed a hard-fought 1-0 victory against EFL Cup holders Liverpool in the first leg of their semi-final clash, securing just their second clean sheet in 12 matches and gaining a crucial edge in the tie.

New signing Antonin Kinský made his debut in goal, the second Spurs goalkeeper to do so in consecutive matches, as manager Ange Postecoglou continued to navigate an injury-hit squad.

Despite these challenges, Tottenham started brightly against the Premier League leaders. However, their momentum was disrupted when Rodrigo Bentancur was stretchered off after a lengthy stoppage.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah had a rare chance midway through the half, dragging a shot wide, as both sides struggled to find rhythm in a first half punctuated by injuries, including one to Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah. The teams went into the break at 0-0, leaving much to play for in the second half.

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Postecoglou, who has yet to see a goalless draw since taking charge in July 2023, nearly witnessed a breakthrough early in the second half. Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker’s hesitation under pressure from Lucas Bergvall led to Pedro Porro attempting an audacious chip, which narrowly missed.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot responded with a triple substitution, introducing Darwin Núñez, Luis Díaz, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. The latter came close to scoring, only to see his shot cleared off the line by Spurs defender Radu Drăgușin.

The game seemed destined for a stalemate until the final moments when Tottenham found a decisive moment. Dominic Solanke chased a long ball before setting up Bergvall, who slotted home his first goal for Spurs, sending the home crowd into raptures.

The late strike ended Liverpool’s nine-match unbeaten streak in the competition and handed Tottenham a slender advantage heading into the second leg at Anfield.

With the second leg looming, Spurs are now just one game away from ending their 17-year trophy drought, dating back to their 2007/08 League Cup triumph.

Meanwhile, Liverpool face a daunting task to overturn the deficit, having suffered their first away defeat since April.

EFL Cup: Tottenham edge Liverpool 1-0 in semi-final first leg

Ancelotti defends Vinicius ahead of Super Cup

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr is available to play in the Spanish Super Cup, despite his recent two-match suspension, and on Wednesday manager Carlo Ancelotti continued to defend his player despite the club losing their appeal.

Vinicius was sent off for slapping Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in Friday’s LaLiga match, and after an appeal, the Spanish FA suspended the striker for two league games, clearing him for Thursday’s Super Cup semi-final against Mallorca.

Ancelotti had been confident of winning the appeal, believing it to be a yellow card offence, and also said that Vinicius is under enormous mental stress due to previous incidents of racist abuse directed at him in Spain.

The manager still believes the suspension decision was wrong.

“We are delighted with Vinicius in every aspect,” Ancelotti told a press conference ahead of Thursday’s game in Jeddah.

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“Both he and I hear what happens on the pitch. I keep saying that it is difficult to be Vinicius. The sanction is not correct.

“When you talk about Vinicius’ provocation, you deflect the shot from the insults he receives.”

Real have already played Mallorca this season, when they were held to a 1-1 draw in the opening game of the campaign, and Ancelotti is happy that their Super Cup tie will go to penalties without extra time should they end level again.

“We know the opponent very well and they know us. It’s going to be very competitive, they cost us a lot in LaLiga. They have good characteristics and can fight for the game,” Ancelotti said.

“You think you will play a good game and win it. If you don’t win, there’s the penalty shootout.

“It changes a lot. It avoids extra time, which can be more complicated to manage.”

The winners will face either Barcelona or Athletic Bilbao, who play in Wednesday’s semi-final, in the final on Sunday.

Ancelotti defends Vinicius ahead of Super Cup

7 things to know about Eric Chelle, new Super Eagles coach

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced Eric Chelle as the new head coach of the Super Eagles.

As the team looks to turn its fortunes around, here are seven key things you should know about the man tasked with steering Nigeria’s football giants back to glory.

What to know about Eric Chelle, new Super Eagles gaffer

1. Eric Chelle led Mali to quarter-final finish at AFCON 2023

Eric Chelle was Mali’s head coach during the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Côte d’Ivoire. Under his guidance, Mali advanced to the quarter-finals, marking a great milestone for the team.

However, their campaign ended in heartbreak when they were defeated by the host nation in extra time.

2. A memorable reaction to defeat

Chelle’s emotional response to Mali’s quarter-final loss was one of the most striking moments of the tournament.

After the match, he was seen squatting on the sideline, hyperventilating. His assistants rushed to revive him with bottles of water, underscoring his deep passion and commitment to the team.

3. Experience in French football’s lower leagues

Before taking the reins of Mali’s national team in 2022, Chelle managed several clubs in the lower tiers of French football.

His coaching stints included GS Consolat, FC Martigues, and Boulogne, where he honed his skills despite limited resources and visibility.

4. A modest playing career

As a player, Chelle represented Mali’s senior national team five times. His club career saw him feature for French sides such as Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres, and Chamois Niortais.

While not a household name during his playing days, his experience across these clubs provided a solid foundation for his coaching journey.

5. Immediate responsibility for World Cup qualification

Chelle’s appointment comes with high stakes. He is charged with leading the Super Eagles to secure a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals.

Nigeria is currently in a precarious position, sitting fifth in Group C of the qualifiers, winless after four games.

6. A challenging first assignment

Chelle’s debut as Nigeria’s head coach will come in March when the Super Eagles face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in the next round of qualifiers.

These matches are crucial for reviving Nigeria’s chances of making it to the World Cup.

7. An opportunity to revive the Super Eagles

Chelle’s appointment signals a fresh start for the Super Eagles. Fans hope his international experience with Mali and his ability to work under pressure will translate into success for Nigeria.

With a passionate fan base and talented players, Chelle has the tools to make a huge impact if he can bring the team together.

7 things to know about Eric Chelle, new Super Eagles coach