'Cruel' exit won't change Pep's VAR view

"It was a very tough game, a very crazy game," Son said.

"We are very proud of our teammates and I think it's an unbelievable night. Sometimes you are annoyed with VAR, but today it is a case of, 'Thank you and good decision.'"

Sterling got the action started when he received the ball from De Bruyne and evaded Kieran Trippier before bending into the corner past Hugo Lloris.

Within three minutes, Tottenham regained its aggregate advantage after Aymeric Laporte's clearance from Lucas Moura's through-ball set up Son to level.

Laporte was again at fault when he gave the ball away in the 10th minute on the halfway line, setting Moura free to tee up Son to put Tottenham 2-1 up.

Not for long. Barely a minute.

Bernardo Silva was left in space on the right flank poke through Danny Rose's legs in the 21st minute.

"I looked at Pep, and we both said, 'Unbelievable!'" said Pochettino.

After that dizzying spell, there was a full 10 minutes before the ball ended up in the net again.

A back-heel from Silva set up De Bruyne, who crossed for Sterling to slide in at the back post.

City 3, Tottenham 2.

Five goals in 21 minutes, but with Tottenham still going through thanks to Son's first-leg marker.