Carabao Cup: Liverpool edge Chelsea on penalties to reach quarter-finals
By Tosin Omojola
Liverpool knocked Chelsea out of the Carabao Cup on penalties to book their place in the quarter-finals, spoiling the returns of Xabi Alonso and Jordan Henderson to Anfield.
The tie was settled in a shootout after the sides finished level in normal time, with Morgan Rogers’ penalty for Chelsea cancelled out by Cody Gakpo’s spot-kick for Liverpool.
In a tense shootout, Chelsea’s Valentin Barco hit the woodwork, while Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas blazed his effort over the bar. Former Reds captain Henderson then scored to keep Chelsea in contention.
Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders saved Ryan Gravenberch’s effort, but Liverpool’s Giorgi Mamardashvili denied Emmanuel Emegha.
After Joe Gomez converted his penalty, French defender Wesley Fofana fired his spot-kick over the bar, sparking wild celebrations among the home fans as Liverpool advanced to the quarter-finals.
