Chelsea vs Liverpool LIVE: Carabao Cup final result and reaction after Virgil van Dijk nets extra-time winner
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool (AET): Virgil van Dijk’s headed effort was the difference and wins the league cup for Jurgen Klopp’s men
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Your support makes all the difference.Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk headed the winner deep into extra time as Jurgen Klopp’s massively-depleted side beat Chelsea 1-0 to claim a record-extending 10th Carabao Cup. The Dutch defender, who controversially had another header ruled out at the same end in the second half after VAR intervention, rose above Mykhailo Mudryk to nod in Kostas Tsimikas’ corner in the 118th minute.
It was no more than the Netherlands international, lifting his first trophy as Liverpool captain, deserved after a monumental performance in defence in a win which seemed against the odds for long periods. Klopp became the third Liverpool manager to win the trophy more than once as his long goodbye to his departure at the end of the season began with the first of a potential four pieces of silverware. But for opposite number Mauricio Pochettinohis long wait for an English domestic trophy continues.
Relive the action from Wembley:
Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino:
“We created four, five, six big chances and we didn’t score. In a game like today and in a final to score first, it is a big advantage. We didn’t score and that is a bit of a problem. We conceded in the last minute and it is difficult to react.
“They [the players] are professional, they need to feel the pain. We played for a trophy we didn’t get. They need to feel the pain like us.
“The players feel the disappointment because we were so close to winning the game after 90 minutes.”
Watch Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp lift the Carabao Cup
More from Jurgen Klopp
“There were two teams fighting very hard, and the referee didn’t have the level of the game. It was not even a foul?! Then the fourth official explaining we cannot give a card... good idea. This situation was obvious for me, everything you need for a card.
“They did an x-ray [on Gravenberch], it is not broken but the ligaments got something. I actually feel really bad, but everything else is really good.
“We don’t have a team right now for Wednesday [FA cup match vs Southampton]. The guys who came on can maybe play again, the rest will get treatment on Monday.
“I love this country to bits, but the schedule is not made for winning a lot. We will see the price we have to pay, but we fight for everything then we see what comes next.
“Somehow against Southampton there will be a team in Liverpool shirts.
“I finally found my family in the stands, they were very happy. The rest, I need to process.”
Jurgen Klopp giving his reaction to Liverpool’s win
"What happened here was absolutely insane, these things are not possible. The team, a squad, an academy full of character. I am so proud I could be part of that tonight.
"The craziest thing is we deserved it. We had lucky moments, they had lucky moments. The boys showed up, it was really cool.
"I am sure we brought on all the kids! We needed fresh legs, they were fresh but very young, but they did the job.
"The boys have trained for a long time with us, they know exactly what we have to do. They are a pain, to be honest, that is what you have to be in these moments. But not only them, how about Harvey Elliot for 120 miutes, [Wataru] Endo walked to the ceremoney with the stiffest legs.
"We didn't mention Conor [Bradley], he was so good. Caoimhin [Kelleher], he was so good. We have the best keeper in the world and the best number two."
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher giving his reaction:
“These are the moments you dream about. It’s better for the heart than penalties! Another amazing moment for me, I’m delighted.
“We won’t get ahead of ourselves, but this is great for momentum. We are in a good place right now.
“He’s [Virgil van Dijk] unbelievable, always fit, always showing up for us. He is pushing us on to win more trophies.”
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, speaking to Sky Sports:
“Amazing, an amazing evening. We got the job done, I’m proud of the team.
“He’s [Caoinhim Kelleher] world class, and he stepped up again today. He’s a good keeper, what we need at a club like Liverpool.
“When you’re younger and get an opportunity you have to grab it with both hands. They should use this to kick on, and I’m sure they will, they should keep pushing to get close to the first team and be part of the squad. Being part of this as a teenager only benefits you.
“I won’t speak too soon, but hopefully we can win a few more. The talk about it being Klopp’s last season is not from within the squad, that is from the outside.”
Conor Gallagher’s three Carabao Cup final misses sum up Chelsea’s crisis
And so the long walk began.
The head dropped, the shoulders sank and Conor Gallagher ran his hand across his face for a final time, the pain of his three misses in the Carabao Cup final written deep in his eyes. Chelsea’s wait for domestic silverware and their Wembley curse continues, with four straight defeats in finals, three of them now to Liverpool.
Yet Gallagher, on a different day, would have been a worthy match-winner for this Chelsea, a symbol of a new era. He came off exhausted, largely very good in an otherwise sloppy and disjointed performance from his team, but three lung-bursting runs into the Liverpool penalty box brought three opportunities.
They were wasted and Chelsea, by the end, could have no complaints after they were denied by Virgil van Dijk’s winner.
Conor Gallagher’s three Carabao Cup final misses sum up Chelsea’s crisis
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool (AET): The midfielder had a hat-trick of opportunities to win the Carabao Cup and this defeat could haunt him
Liverpool finally find a way to end improbable cup final affliction in unexpected fashion
In the end at Wembley, penalties were not quite required, but otherwise, fans watching at home and from afar could be forgiven for wondering if it was a two-year old replay unfolding before their eyes.
Caoimhin Kelleher heroics against Chelsea? Check. VAR-led disallowed goals? Check. Woodwork hit by both teams? Check again. And above all else, the unusual sight of Liverpool failing to match their usual exploits in the final third, both in terms of creating chance and - more importantly - taking them.
For a club which habitually nets over 100 a season - they were at the century mark already for 2023/24 heading into this game - cup finals seem to render them improbably impotent in the penalty box. Even last year, when cup finals were a distant dream, the Reds scored 103 in all competitions.
Liverpool finally find a way to end improbable cup final affliction
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool (AET) : Virgil van Dijk’s header ended 447 minutes without scoring in cup finals for the Reds
Liverpool win the Carabao Cup
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