Liverpool secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final, with Virgil van Dijk delivering the decisive goal in extra time.
The game appeared destined for a goalless draw in the third successive domestic cup final between the Reds and the Blues until Van Dijk’s headed winner from a late corner at Wembley.
Jurgen Klopp’s side, featuring several young academy graduates, outlasted Chelsea, who are still pursuing their first trophy in the BlueCo era.
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In the first half, Liverpool had a chance when Axel Disasi’s slip allowed Cody Gakpo to set up Luis Diaz, resulting in a low save from Djordje Petrovic. Despite early pressure, Chelsea came close when Conor Bradley’s block on Raheem Sterling fell to Cole Palmer, but Petrovic made a crucial save.
Chelsea thought they had taken the lead, but an offside call against Nicolas Jackson denied Sterling’s tap-in. Liverpool hit the post through Gakpo, but both teams entered halftime level.
In the second half, Chelsea missed opportunities, with Enzo Fernandez unable to capitalize on a chance. Liverpool appeared to take the lead with Virgil van Dijk’s header, but a VAR check ruled it out due to offside interference.
The match continued with missed chances on both sides, including a Chelsea effort hitting the post. In extra time, Liverpool pressed, and Van Dijk secured victory with a headed goal from Kostas Tsimikas’ corner.
The final result saw Liverpool lift the Carabao Cup, with Van Dijk’s late heroics securing the trophy for Klopp’s side.