Liverpool Edge Chelsea in Shootout to Secure Carabao Cup Quarterfinal Spot

Joe Gomez converted the decisive penalty as Liverpool defeated Chelsea 6-5 in a shootout following a 1-1 draw.

Liverpool progressed to the Carabao Cup quarterfinals after defeating Chelsea 6-5 in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at Anfield. Joe Gomez, who has not scored in 280 appearances for the club, converted the winning spot kick for the hosts. The result handed former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso his third defeat as a manager at the stadium.

Both goals occurred during a four-minute span late in the first half via penalties. Morgan Rogers opened the scoring for Chelsea after Ryan Gravenberch fouled Moisés Caicedo. Liverpool equalized shortly after when Cody Gakpo converted a penalty awarded for a Wesley Fofana handball. In the second half, Giorgi Mamardashvili denied Chelsea's Emmanuel Emegha, while Mike Penders parried a Ronald Araujo header and a low Bradley Barcola shot.

During the shootout, Alexis Mac Allister, Alexander Isak, Gakpo, Florian Wirtz, Barcola, and Gomez scored for Liverpool. Kostas Tsimikas missed a chance to win the match with the fifth penalty by shooting over the crossbar. Chelsea’s successful attempts came from Pedro Neto, Rogers, Romeo Lavia, Jordan Henderson, and Levi Colwill. The contest ended when Valentín Barco hit the post and Fofana sent his effort over the bar.

Liverpool made seven changes to their lineup, resting starters until the final 30 minutes, while Chelsea made four rotations. The match also featured 50 minutes of play before Josh Acheampong received a yellow card for a foul on teenager Rio Ngumoha. Liverpool next faces Arsenal at Anfield, while Chelsea is scheduled to host Manchester United.