CARABAO CUP WINNERS

In an extraordinary Carabao Cup final at Wembley, Liverpool, despite being notably depleted, clinched a dramatic victory over Chelsea, thanks to a late header by Virgil van Dijk in the dying moments of extra time. This intense match saw Liverpool claim their 10th title in the competition, marking a significant achievement in what is Jurgen Klopp’s farewell season as manager, aiming for an ambitious four-trophy sweep.

The deciding moment came when Van Dijk, who had earlier seen a goal disallowed for offside in a contentious decision, found the net with just two minutes left in extra time. His crucial goal stemmed from Kostas Tsimikas’ corner, finally breaking the deadlock in a match that had seen numerous missed opportunities and intense play from both sides.

Liverpool’s path to victory was no small feat, especially considering the absence of key players such as Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Diogo Jota due to injuries. The situation worsened when Ryan Gravenberch was stretchered off following a hefty challenge from Moises Caicedo in the first half.

For Chelsea and their manager Mauricio Pochettino, the defeat was a hard pill to swallow, marking their sixth consecutive loss in Wembley finals, including three defeats to Liverpool. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions and chances, with Chelsea failing to capitalize on numerous opportunities to seal the game.

Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher, stood out with an exceptional performance, reminiscent of his heroics in the 2022 EFL Cup final against the same opponents, Chelsea. He made several crucial saves, including a remarkable block from Cole Palmer in the first half, maintaining Liverpool’s chances in a tightly contested game.

Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling and Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo both came close to scoring, with Gakpo’s header striking the post and Sterling’s effort being disallowed for offside. The match’s intensity escalated after the break, with Liverpool believing they had taken the lead through Van Dijk, only for the goal to be annulled after a lengthy VAR review.

Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher hit the woodwork, and Kelleher continued to deny Chelsea, particularly in a nail-biting goalmouth scramble towards the end of regulation time. Liverpool’s resolve was tested in extra time, with Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic making key saves, including one from Liverpool’s young substitute Jayden Danns.

The match seemed destined for a penalty shootout until Van Dijk emerged as Liverpool’s hero, ensuring a memorable victory over Chelsea and adding another chapter to Liverpool’s rich history in cup competitions. As Klopp looks to conclude his tenure with further silverware, this victory underscores Liverpool’s resilience and ability to triumph against the odds, while Chelsea and Pochettino are left to reflect on what might have been in yet another Wembley disappointment.