[Soccer] Tottenham Wins 1st Leg of Carling Semifinal

Tottenham Hotspur of the English Premier League has inched closer to the Carling Cup finals.

The Spurs rallied to beat Burnley of England’s second-division league, 4-1, in the first leg of the Carling Cup semifinal at home yesterday. Tottenham beat Chelsea, 2-1, for its fourth Carling Cup title.

The Spurs will advance to this season’s final barring a crushing defeat at Burnley in the second leg Jan. 22.

Burnley caused a big stir in making the semifinals by defeating strong Premier League teams, such as Fulham, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Started in 1960, the Carling Cup features 92 teams, including 20 from the Premier League, 24 teams from the Championship and 24 teams from Leagues 1 and 2.

yjongk@donga.com