Berbatov tells Tottenham to 'grasp the moment' as Spurs eye 'fairytale' Champions League final run
Former Tottenham icon Dimitar Berbatov has told his old club what they must do to make history and qualify for the Champions League final.
Spurs drew 4-4 with Manchester City to qualify for the final four on away goals, in a thriller dominated by twists and turns.
It was Fernando Llorente’s goal which ultimately saw Tottenham through to help set up a tie against Ajax.
And Berbatov, who played at White Hart Lane between 2006-08, says his old side must be brave.
“This is some day to be a Spurs fan and I'm still struggling to comprehend what I saw last night in Manchester,” the 38-year-old told Betfair. “It was one of the most dramatic games I have ever seen - just unbelievable!
“My old club are now a two-legged tie away from the final and having been there with Bayer Leverkusen and Manchester United, my advice is don't be afraid, just go out and do what you do.
“Spurs have just beaten the tournament favourites. There's nothing to fear. Cherish the occasion and grasp the moment.”
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Tottenham took a one-goal lead into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium, though that seemed to be demolished within minutes when Raheem Sterling opened the scoring.
Son Heung-min almost instantly gave Spurs a 3-1 lead before Bernardo Silva and Sterling struck again to put the hosts back in front on the night.
Sergio Aguero looked to have put City through with 30 minutes remaining before Llorente’s goal broke the hosts’ hearts.
And Berbatov believes neither team should have gone out.
The former Man United and Fulham player added: “When City scored first so early in the tie I was a bit worried. Scoring with just a few minutes gone gives any team huge momentum and desire.
“I think everyone expected them to go ahead and take the lead in the tie there and then.
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AS IT HAPPENED: Manchester City (4) 4-3 (4) Spurs
“But Spurs weren't fazed, and responded in the best way possible. It was interesting to watch them coming from behind to equalise and then taking the lead because this is exactly what they need to do - to be cold and ruthless against the big teams.
“OK, the game was end-to-end after that but they never stopped fighting. I cannot say Spurs won the tie because City were bad.
“It was an unbelievable effort from both sides, and really neither side deserved to go out.
“Tottenham can look at themselves today and say 'We have the stadium and we have just beaten Manchester City and their superstars. We are f***ing serious and we have a chance here to make history!’”
Click here for more from Betfair Ambassador Dimitar Berbatov.
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