It is a battle of the Champions League underdogs as English Premier League side Tottenham meet Dutch club Ajax in the semi-finals tonight.
Today’s first leg tie, slated for Tottenham’s glittering new north London arena, sees two of the UEFA Champion League’s most entertaining sides pitted against each other in the last four.
Spurs continued their European odyssey in spectacular style when they came through a ridiculous quarter-final against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on away goals.
They took a 1-0 lead into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium thanks to a late Son Heung-min strike in the capital.
It lit the fuse for a 90-minute firework display at the home of the reigning English champions, who came up agonizingly short despite winning 4-3 on the night.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men also had VAR to thank, chalking off Raheem Sterling’s would-be winner in the 93rd minute.
Ajax have enjoyed a barnstorming campaign of their own, having had to qualify for the group stage all the way back at the start of the season.
The whizkids from Amsterdam have slain a pair of continental giants to put themselves within one tie of the final.
Real Madrid were seen off at the last 16 stage thanks to a stirring performance by the youngsters inside the cauldron of the Bernabeu.
And that was just for starters as Italian champions Juventus – Cristiano Ronaldo and all – were sent packing after an almighty effort set up a 3-2 aggregate success.
They will now have to repeat that against a side with as much verve as themselves, as well as tackling the second leg at the Johan Cruyff Arena.
TUESDAY:
Tottenham v Ajax
WEDNESDAY:
Barcelona v LiverpoolC
