Virgil van Dijk’s decisive header in the depths of extra time secured a stunning Carabao Cup final victory for a depleted Liverpool side against Chelsea at Wembley.
Despite Van Dijk having a goal controversially disallowed for offside in the 60th minute, there was no denying Liverpool when he nodded home from Kostas Tsimikas’ corner in the 118th minute.
Liverpool clinched their 10th Carabao Cup triumph despite missing several key players due to injury, including star forwards Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez, and Diogo Jota. Their woes were compounded by the loss of Ryan Gravenberch, who was stretchered off after a challenge from Moises Caicedo in the first half.
This victory marks the first step in what could be a remarkable four-trophy season for Jurgen Klopp’s team in his farewell campaign. However, it was a crushing blow for Chelsea and manager Mauricio Pochettino, who have now suffered defeat in six consecutive Wembley finals, with three of those losses coming against Liverpool.
The match saw numerous chances for both teams, with Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher once again delivering a stellar performance at Wembley. Kelleher made crucial saves, including denying Conor Gallagher’s efforts and showcasing bravery in a frantic goalmouth scramble during normal time.
Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic also made important saves in extra time, thwarting Liverpool’s attempts through headers from Jayden Danns and Harvey Elliott.
Ultimately, it was Van Dijk’s late heroics that secured Liverpool’s triumph and left Pochettino still chasing his first trophy in English football.
Reported By AFP.
