The equation is now pretty simple – Spurs have to find the net and win in the Champions League semi-final second leg

Tottenham Hotspur will be underdogs when they step out at the Johan Cruyff Arena on Wednesday, May 8, but everything is still to play for in the Champions League semi-final second leg.

Ajax hold a one-goal lead after the first meeting in London following a supremely cool finish by Donny van de Beek in the 15th minute at Spurs.

For large spells in the first half, it seemed only a matter of time before the visitors extended their advantage, but Mauricio Pochettino’s team just about stood firm.

Moussa Sissoko’s arrival in the 39th minute, coupled with a formation change to 4-3-2-1, helped them get back into the tie and some could argue they deserved a draw.

In the end it was a defeat, but the equation is now pretty simple – Tottenham have to find the net and win in Amsterdam.

Any victory will give them a great opportunity to reach a maiden European Cup final and the squad remain positive about their chances.

Right-back Kieran Trippier said: “We just need to go into the game knowing we need to win the game.

“We know we need to score more than one goal obviously, but we don’t want to focus on who has got the advantage.

“Our aim is to go to Ajax with a clear mind and try to win the game.”

Tottenham badly missed Heung-min Son on Tuesday, who would have watched from the stands with simmering frustration while Harry Kane and Harry Winks were sorely missed too.

After Hakim Ziyech sliced open the Spurs defence with a fine through ball, van de Beek showed brilliant composure to slot past Hugo Lloris.

It was almost two when van de Beek got in again, but this time Lloris saved with his feet in the 24th minute and a great chance had been wasted.

Slowly but surely the hosts grew into the game with the impact of substitute Sissoko clear for all to see.

Yet Tottenham struggled to fashion chances and the main efforts they had were headers by Fernando Llorente and Toby Alderweireld which failed to test Andre Onana.

Dele Alli did have one shot on target, but it was straight at the away custodian from 20-yards and snatched at.

Ajax almost put the fixture and semi-final to bed when David Neres fired towards goal from 10-yards in the 78th minute, but his effort hit the post and Spurs remain alive.