London: Liverpool, who faced a fright in their 1-1 draw with Fulham in the semi-final second leg on Wednesday, will play Chelsea in the League Cup final.
Luis Diaz gave Liverpool the lead early in the first half at Craven Cottage, extending their lead from the first leg to 2-1. That ought to have been the indicator for Jurgen Klopp’s team to have an easy evening.
However, they squandered multiple opportunities to eliminate Fulham prior to Issa Diop’s late goal setting up an exciting conclusion. Liverpool finally secured a 3-2 aggregate victory, narrowly surviving Fulham’s relentless assault.
“To make it to a final, this was not a night to shine or play some spectacular football. The boys
On February 25, the Reds will play Chelsea in the League Cup final at Wembley, replicating the 2022 final that Liverpool won on penalties. This will be the Reds’ 14th appearance in the championship game.
It’s excellent. We’ve been there before, so we know what to anticipate. Once more, Chelsea. “Wow, that is quite the story,” remarked Klopp. “You should never take for granted if you are part of the team who can qualify for trophies.”
While Chelsea defeated Middlesbrough 6-2 on aggregate in the other semi-final, they have won the League Cup five times, most recently in 2015. Liverpool has won the competition a record nine times.
Mohamed Salah had a severe hamstring injury while playing for Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving Liverpool without a marquee player for a few weeks. However, Liverpool’s victory over Bournemouth on Sunday put them five points clear atop the Premier League, even without Salah.
The Reds have an amazing opportunity to win four trophies this season as they are also playing in the FA Cup and Europa League.
‘Dare to dream’ billboards in black and white had encircled the Craven Cottage pitch in an attempt to inspire the Fulham supporters, who responded with an exuberant mood that defied their reserved exterior.
