Liverpool Beat Chelsea 6-5 on Penalties to Reach Carabao Cup Quarter-Finals

Liverpool reached the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after beating Chelsea 6-5 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in normal time at Anfield. The match was decided by a tense shoot-out after neither team could find a winner in regulation time.

Morgan Rogers opened the scoring from the penalty spot after Ryan Gravenberch fouled Moisés Caicedo. Cody Gakpo equalised for Liverpool just three minutes later with a penalty of his own.

“Make that five, after Wesley Fofana’s woeful attempt sailed high into the Kop and sent Andoni Iraola’s side into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.”

Liverpool created several chances in the second half, forcing smart saves from Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders. Giorgi Mamardashvili also made stops at the other end to keep the scores level.

The shoot-out saw misses from Kostas Tsimikas, Ryan Gravenberch, Valentín Barco and Emmanuel Emegha. Wesley Fofana’s 16th kick sailed high into the Kop, securing the win for Liverpool.

Chelsea’s record of penalty misery against Liverpool extended to five defeats in five shoot-outs. Previous failures included the 2007 Champions League semi-final and the 2019 Uefa Super Cup final.

Former Liverpool figures Xabi Alonso and Jordan Henderson received lukewarm receptions on their return to Anfield. Alonso was warmly embraced by childhood friend Andoni Iraola before kick-off, while Henderson was booed whenever he took possession.

Both managers made selection surprises, with Lewis Koumas starting on the right of Liverpool’s attack. Alonso deployed veterans in the absence of injured João Pedro and suspended Cole Palmer.