Reaction to Tottenham Hotspur’s last-gasp 3-2 Champions League semi-final win over Ajax Amsterdam on Wednesday that sent them through to the final on away goals:
Tottenham player Christian Eriksen: “It was a non-tactical performance, it was more of a fight, more of a heart performance, and that’s how we won it.
“It was a ridiculous game. We were really far down, we tried to fight back and we’re just lucky. I feel sorry for Ajax, they played a very good game against us.”
Tottenham hat-trick scorer Lucas Moura: “Impossible to explain what I’m feeling. I’m very happy and very proud of my team mates. Always believe in this moment. We gave everything on the pitch and deserved this moment – we are family. Impossible to explain. Big gift from God I’d like to share with team mates, friends and family.
Ajax player Matthijs De Ligt: “It’s a nightmare, like a dream. We played well in the first half, we had it all our way. We didn’t keep up the same pressure in the second half. We gave silly goals away. We were so close to the final … and then the ball goes in. Unbelievable.”
Ajax coach Erik ten Hag: “Football can be very beautiful and it can be very cruel, we have had to experience that today.
“Overall we had a fantastic Champions League campaign, we were one second away from the final,our team deserves a very big compliment, I am very proud of my players.
“I told the players in the break that it wasn’t over yet, you could tell by the attitude of the Tottenham players. They still believed in it.
“When that ball hits the post from Hakim Ziyech, it’s over and out for Spurs. But I can’t blame anyone. We have had an incredible Champions League season and have grown a lot as a team. It is difficult to process.”
Former Ajax coach Louis van Gaal: “It was admirable that Spurs had the courage to never give up and try and do the business, but it was totally unnecessary of Ajax to let it all slip.
“This defeat was completely unnecessary. At half time there was nothing wrong with a 2-0 lead. In the second half, Tottenham took more and more risk and more and more attackers entered the field. Ajax made the wrong choices in possession of the ball in that phase.”
Norway coach Lars Lagerback: “I’m driven crazy here, they (Ajax) went for another goal instead of holding on to the ball and pushing back the Tottenham team.
“At the same time, I can appreciate them, it’s a good attitude, but if you know you only have a few minutes left… it shows that they are not as experienced.”
