Liverpool saw off Fulham in the Carabao Cup semi-finals to set up a final showdown with Chelsea at Wembley on 25 February.
2023/2024 League Cup
1-1
Match Report
Liverpool drew with Fulham on the night but won on aggregate to reach the 2024 League Cup final.
Jurgen Klopp made four changes from the side that comfortably saw off Bournemouth four days earlier.
Luis Diaz expertly opened the scoring in the 11th minute, controlling the ball on his chest, brushing off the defender and hitting his shot in at the near post – not the best goalkeeping, but superb from Diaz.
Diaz had a good chance to double his tally on the half hour when Liverpool broke away, but his shot was weak and straight at the ‘keeper.
Liverpool, two ahead on aggregate, were in control and hardly out of second gear.
Fulham had a big chance early after half-time, Pereira hitting the post – then Liverpool broke at the other end and could have doubled their lead but Harvey Elliott‘s effort was weak.
Darwin Nunez went close around the hour mark, before the Uruguayan made way for Diogo Jota as Klopp continued to utilise his squad – the removal of Alexis Mac Allister, though, saw Liverpool lose control in midfield.
The match had little action but sprang into life in the 77th minute when Fulham centre-back Issa Diop stayed in attack and provided a superb finish past Kelleher from Harry Wilson‘s cross.
Wilson then forced a good save out of Kelleher soon after with a long range effort, the home side were on the front foot.
Klopp brought on Ibrahima Konate in a bid to close the game out, switching to a back five for the closing stages.
It was a nervy finish, but Liverpool saw the game out to win through 3-2 on aggregate and set up a final against Chelsea at Wembley next month.
Next, though, are two home games in two other competitions; Norwich in the FA Cup on Sunday, followed by Chelsea in the Premier League next Wednesday.
Match Events
6' Nunez's shot stopped
11' GOAL! Fulham 0-1 Liverpool (Luis Díaz)
27' OFFSIDE! Diaz’s goal disallowed
33' Jimenez's long shot stopped
49' Gomez's long shot over the bar
57' Pereira's shot hits the bar
63' Nunez's shot wide out
70' Gravenberch's long shot wide out
77' GOAL! Fulham 1-1 Liverpool (Diop)
Line-ups
Fulham XI: Willian, Tom Cairney, Leno, Bobby De Cordova-Reid, Jimenez, Pereira, João Palhinha, Castagne, T.Adarabioyo, Diop, Antonee Robinson
Subs: Tim Ream, Tete, Lukic, Harrison Reed, Harry Wilson, Marek Rodak, Carlos Vinícius, Tyrese Francois, Rodrigo Muniz
Liverpool XI: Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Kelleher, Cody Gakpo, Mac Allister, Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez, Gravenberch, Elliott, Jarell Quansah, Conor Bradley
Subs: Alisson, Robertson, Jota, Konate, Curtis Jones, Owen Beck, Bobby Clark, James McConnell, Trey Nyoni