Ajax vs Tottenham: Watch Mauricio Pochettino break down in tears at final whistle after clinching Champions League final
The Argentine guided Spurs to Madrid after a thrilling second-half comeback to advance on away goals
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mauricio Pochettino’s emotions spilled over at the final whistle after Tottenham incredibly dumped Ajax out of the Champions League semi-finals.
The Argentine had just witnessed Lucas Moura’s stoppage time goal to pull Spurs level on aggregate at 3-3 – enough to send them to Madrid on the away goals rule.
After three successive transfer windows without signing a player, as well as contending in recent weeks without Harry Kane, Pochettino realised the enormity of his achievement.
The Dutch side collapsed in unison, broken by Spurs’ will, which now leaves them with a chance to become European champions.
Liverpool await in two weeks, but for now Pochettino can savour the moment.
“It’s difficult with words to describe my feelings and my emotions,” he said.
“I think it’s one of the most important nights in my life. How the game finished, everything that happened, the first half, how we planned to play, how the plan was down after three minutes when we conceded the goal, and I think everything was amazing.
“The most important thing I want to say is to congratulate my players. They own the football, they delivered a great job.
“For me, they are heroes. I’ve told you the last six months, I repeat this sentence.
“I think they are superheroes now. To get the club to the final of the Champions League I think is very close to a miracle.
“No one believed in us from the beginning of the season. We are so close to the top four and have the opportunity in Madrid to play the final against Liverpool.
“It is an amazing season in our new home. This chapter that we’re going to close now, until June 1, it can be amazing to close the chapter playing a final. In case we won it should be an amazing book.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments