Eko Hot Blog report that Liverpool captured the League Cup on Sunday, defeating Chelsea 1-0 in extra time on Virgil van Dijk’s late header at Wembley Stadium.
Despite missing 11 players to injury, Liverpool triumphed through their captain’s winner in the 120th minute. Van Dijk had earlier seen a goal controversially disallowed by VAR.
“It was Liverpool’s first trophy following manager Jurgen Klopp’s bombshell announcement that he will step down at the end of this season,” AFP reported. The win could provide momentum as Liverpool chase further silverware before Klopp departs.
Chelsea had numerous chances to win in normal time, with Conor Gallagher, Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer all coming close. But Liverpool’s youthful squad persevered, with 20-year-olds Conor Bradley and Harvey Elliott starting.
The Reds also saw a Van Dijk goal ruled out by VAR for a marginal offside. But the Dutch defender finally broke through at the death, glancing in Kostas Tsimikas’ corner.
“Liverpool would not be denied and with penalties just two minutes away, Van Dijk met Kostas Tsimikas’s corner with a header that flashed past [goalkeeper Djordje] Petrovic as Klopp raised his arms with a smile that bordered on disbelief,” AFP reported.
The trophy ends Liverpool’s domestic silverware drought dating back to 2022. Meanwhile Chelsea are still seeking their first domestic cup since 2018, having now lost the last three finals.
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