Tottenham’s tie topples Man City

Manchester City was dramatically denied a spot in the Champions League final by VAR in the last minutes of the semi-final at Manchester City Stadium on Saturday night.  The stadium erupted when Raheed Sterling scored what seemed to be the winner in injury time until the video assisted referee called the goal back with an off-side judgement.   See full highlights here

It was a roller coaster of a match with top goal scorers Son and Sterling scoring two each for their respective sides.  Despite an aggregate score of 4-4, the Spurs are the ones to advance on the away goal rule.  This will only be Tottenham’s second trip to the Champions League semi-final in their history.  There they will meet Ajax of the Netherlands who stunned Spanish fans by eliminating defending champions Real Madrid.

VAR has been a controversial addition to professional football since it was implemented in 2017, saving the day for some fans and breaking the hearts of others.  One thing’s for sure, however, it is here to stay.  After the game, Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino quipped, “I Iove VAR today! Even though I didn’t agree with it in the beginning.” Meanwhile, Man City coach Pep Guardiola simply said, “We have to accept it.”

Who? Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspurs
Where? Manchester Stadium, Manchester England
When? Saturday night
What? Tottenham Hotspur knocks Manchester City out of the Champions League in the quarter-final
How? The aggregate score was tied but Tottenham had more away goals.
Why? Manchester City’s final goal was called back by VAR