AMSTERDAM (AFP) - Mauricio Pochettino describes being in the last four of the Champions League as "a bonus", but Tottenham Hotspur are still hopeful of going all the way to the final as Son Heung-min returns for Wednesday's second leg against Ajax.
Spurs come to Amsterdam needing a special performance if they are to reach the final of this competition for the first time in their history after a Donny van de Beek away goal condemned them to a 1-0 defeat in London last week.
However, Pochettino's team have already made history for the club by getting this far - they last reached the semi-finals of the European Cup in 1962 before being beaten by Eusebio's Benfica.
Now they are dreaming of a first European final since Keith Burkinshaw's team beat Anderlecht on penalties to lift the UEFA Cup in 1984, before any of those set to feature on Wednesday were born.
"We are living a dream. Five years ago when we arrived it was to reduce the gap to the top four, and then to have the possibility to play in the Champions League," Pochettino said at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Tuesday (May 7).
"I think nobody would believe we would be playing in the Champions League three seasons in a row and competing at this stage."
STUMBLING
However, his side are stumbling badly towards the finish line with a depleted squad, set to finish in the top four in the Premier League mainly thanks to the failings of the teams below them.
Harry Kane is out, and Tottenham have been beaten five times in their last six games in all, nine times in their last 10 matches away from home.
The exception in that run came on their last trip to the continent, however, against Borussia Dortmund in the last 16, and now they arrive in Amsterdam with Son available after sitting out the first leg due to suspension.
Jan Vertonghen, who began his professional career in Amsterdam before joining Tottenham in 2012, is in line to return too after coming off with a head knock in the first leg.
"You wouldn't believe at the start of the season that Tottenham would be in the last week of the season with the possibility of being in the final of the Champions League and to be in the top four," Pochettino insisted. "Both are real, but this is not the moment to talk."
Spurs' status as one of the Premier League's top six clubs gives them a considerable financial advantage over Ajax, but they cannot match their opponents - four times European champions - when it comes to history.
The club of Cruyff and so many other great names are in sight of a first Champions League final since 1996 and remain in with a chance of a treble, something they last did in 1972 when the man after whom their stadium is now named was starring on the pitch.
TREBLE DREAM
Erik ten Hag's team secured the first leg at the weekend when they beat Willem II 4-0 in the Dutch Cup final, and they are top of the league in the Netherlands with two matches left.
They are aiming to carry on an incredible European run that began in the second qualifying round against Sturm Graz on July 25.
"You don't expect at the beginning of the season to be in this position. I am very proud and happy to be here during this special period," said Daley Blind, almost echoing Pochettino's own remarks.
Blind, who returned to the club from Manchester United just before the campaign began, admitted that celebrations after the Cup final were "a bit timid" due to the proximity to this match.
Ajax are now hoping they don't live to regret not scoring more than once in London.
"Our defensive organisation was excellent," pointed out Ten Hag. "In the final third we didn't play all that well but the players' mindset was to defend our 1-0 lead."
If they can finish the job on Wednesday, they will be the ones to advance to the final in Madrid on June 1.
Football: Salah lauds 'unbelievable' Liverpool after Champions League glory MADRID (AFP) - Mohamed Salah expressed his delight at playing a full role in Liverpool's 2-0 Champions League final victory over Tottenham on Saturday (June 1), after injury ruined his night against Real Madrid a year ago.
Salah lauds 'unbelievable' Liverpool after Champions League
worldsoccertalk.com/2019/06/01/salah-lauds-unbelievable-liverpool-after-champions-league-glory/
Salah lauds 'unbelievable' Liverpool after Champions League glory AFP June 1, 2019 AFP No Comments Madrid (AFP) - Mohamed Salah expressed his delight at playing a full role in Liverpool's 2-0 Champions League final victory over Tottenham on Saturday, after injury ruined his night against Real Madrid a year ago.
Salah lauds 'unbelievable' Liverpool after Champions League glory
Everton avoided a third consecutive Premier League home defeat as Kurt Zouma's header and a late goal by Dominic Calvert-Lewin earned them a flattering 2-0 victory over Bournemouth at a rainy Goodison Park on Sunday. There were grumblings of discontent from the home fans as Everton were outplayed
The Merlion Cup returns for an eighth edition this June in a new format after a 10-year hiatus. First introduced in 1982, the invitational tournament was an annual affair until 1986 and saw
Merlion Cup returns after 10 years - news.yahoo.com
Valencia president Chan Lay Hoon will step down in July, the club said on Monday, after employing five different coaches in little more than two years in charge. Valencia appoint Anil Murthy
Valencia at 100: President Anil Murthy on plans to compete
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Football: Super-sub Gray sends Watford into FA Cup semis LONDON (AFP) - Andre Gray came off the bench to fire Watford into the FA Cup semi-finals with the late winner in their 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday (March 16).
Super-sub Andre Gray sends Watford into FA Cup semis
Hard to keep Hazard: Sarri LONDON • Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has accepted it will be hard to deny Eden Hazard a move to Real Madrid this summer, even if a reported £100 million (S$176.7 million) move is "too cheap" for the Belgium captain.
Hard to keep hold of Hazard, admits Sarri | The Daily Star
France coach Didier Deschamps said on Monday that Olympique Lyonnais left back Ferland Mendy will join Real Madrid. Spanish media reports said Real had agreed a fee of 55 million euros ($62.22 million) for Mendy, who has made 79 appearances for Lyon since moving from Le Havre in 2017.
Mendy Set for Real Move, Says France Coach Deschamps News
Football: 10-man Schalke draw blank ahead of Man City clash BERLIN (AFP) - Schalke 04 warmed-up for the Champions League visit of Manchester City with a goalless draw at home to fellow Bundesliga strugglers Freiburg on Saturday (Feb 16).
Ten-man Schalke draw blank ahead of Man City clash
Son Heung-min will aim to inspire South Korea to Asian Cup glory, with Iran looking strong as Australia and Japan face up to transition. be the bedrock of a title tilt, while Saudi Arabia have
Asian Cup: Qatar, Japan advance with perfect records
A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on March 07, 2019, with the headline ''Expired' Molde deal to ease way for Solskjaer'. Print Edition | Subscribe.
'Expired' Molde deal to ease way for Solskjaer - theworldnews.net
Chelsea have suffered a setback in their push for a Champions League spot, held to a 2-2 draw at home to Burnley in the Premier League. Tempers flared at the end of the match when Chelsea coach
Chelsea held 2-2 by Burnley, denting Champions League hopes
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool will fight with every fibre for Premier League title 2:57 pm, 8th February 2019 The Reds host Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday, knowing victory will take them back to the top of the table with a three-point cushion before Manchester City host Chelsea, live on Sky Sports on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp Says Liverpool Will Fight With Every Fibre For
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