By Emmanuel Ebimoh
All is set for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Semi-final clash between Tottenham Hotspur and Ajax Amsterdam. Tonight, the curtains of glory will open and the world will witness what could be the emergence of the next generation of football stars. It will be a culmination of youthfulness and strength, experience and talent, passion and glory.
Tottenham Coach, Mauriccio Pochettino has described the anticipated experience as magical. In his words: “It’s going to be a magical night because to play the semi-finals in our new stadium is something that no one could believe or think a few months ago. It’s a game that is impossible to be tired for, not to be excited to play. It’s all mental.”
Since moving into their brand new stadium in London, Tottenham Hotspur have been in fantastic form, scoring seven goals and conceding just one. Many supporters around the world have considered the new edifice as a fortress and tonight, they would be hoping that the spirits of the Lilywhites will keep the rampaging Ajax players at bay.
The UEFA Champions League journey for Ajax this season has been more than phenomenal. In what many would term as a football upset, the youthful team from Amsterdam convincingly eliminated reigning champions and 13 times winners of the competition, Real Madrid, and 8 times consecutive winners of the Serie A, Juventus.
Erik ten Hag, Ajax coach has proclaimed optimism of his side going further in the competition.
“We want to continue this progress. It’s amazing that we are in the Champions League semi-finals – nobody could have predicted at the beginning of season that a Dutch team would end up here. We have achieved something, but we want more.”
“We can be more effective and convert our chances. We want to be confident, but we can’t be naive. We have lots of matches under our belts. I think we stand a good chance. I believe in my team, the players on the pitch and the plan we have put together,” Erik Ten Hag said.
However, going into the game, Tottenham Hotspur have a few injury worries from key players. Top striker and Tottenham team captain, Harry Kane has been ruled out of the match with an ankle injury. Eric Lamela, Serge Aurier are also ruled out with hamstring injuries, while Heung-Min Son, arguably Tottenham’s player of the season is suspended for the game. Ajax, on the other hand, would have their full squad that has brought them victory thus far to do battle.
No doubt, tonight, the excitement and beauty of the prestigious UEFA Champions League will be on full display as these two emerging giants of European football lock horns. The question now is, who will emerge victorious?
Emmanuel Ebimoh is an Editor and Sports Writer for 9News Nigeria. You can contact him via email on emmyebimoh@gmail.com
