Tottenham Hotspur
‘Game changer’ – Lucas Moura steals the limelight but Tottenham fans think Fernando Llorente made a difference
Fernando Llorente came on at half time.
Lucas Moura scored a stunning second-half hat-trick as Tottenham Hotspur came from 3-0 down on aggregate to progress to the Champions League final.
After Liverpool’s stunning comeback against Barcelona the night before, Tottenham also looked dead and buried.
Goals from Matthijs de Ligt and Hakim Ziyech gave Ajax a two-goal lead at the Johann Cruyff Arena. And with a one-goal lead from the first leg, Ajax had one foot in the final.
But Mauricio Pochettino gambled at half time and brought on Fernando Llorente. This proved to be a game-changing decision as Llorente caused all sorts of problems.
(Photo by Simon Hofmann – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
While the Spaniard was a bit wasteful when he got chances, he caused the Ajax backline a different type of problem.
With his physical presence, the Ajax defenders had a new style to worry about. This allowed Lucas to thrive playing just off Llorente as Spurs completed their comeback.
Llorente had a major role to play in all of Tottenham’s goals and was rightly lauded by supporters after the game.
The 34-year-old has often been criticised this season but he was idolised last night. Here are some tweets from Spurs fans for Llorente.
You made the difference ?
— Sam Ingram ??♀️ (@MayTheFoyth) May 8, 2019
You were outstanding today! I’ll hold my hands up and say I’ve criticised you in the past, but wow you made me eat my words! Incredible performance, Fernando. #COYS
— James (@Jamesm_thfc) May 8, 2019
You seriously changed the game Fernando. Absolutely outstanding in that hold up linkage play. As Moura said it’s a team game and boy did you play for the team ??
— Joshua Tanchel (@tanchel) May 8, 2019
Game changer tonight Fernando!!
— ??? (@rustfromtherose) May 8, 2019
Well done Fernando, you completely changed the game and played great, on to the finals woo hoo!
— Rizzla (@loopyrizla) May 8, 2019
What an impact you made when you came on ?
— C???????Y S (@GenericSpur) May 8, 2019
