Liverpool Clinch Tense Carabao Cup Victory Over Chelsea in Extra Time

Wembley Stadium, London: Liverpool etched their name on the first domestic trophy of the season, edging out Chelsea 1-0 in a tightly contested Carabao Cup final that went to extra time.

The Reds, seeking their tenth League Cup title, dominated the early stages with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté posing a constant threat from set pieces. However, Chelsea gradually grew into the game, with Cole Palmer forcing a superb save from Alisson Becker and Raheem Sterling seeing a goal chalked off for a marginal offside in the build-up.

The second half mirrored the first, with both sides canceling each other out. Chances were few and far between, with neither Kepa Arrizabalaga nor Alisson truly tested. As the clock ticked down, it became increasingly evident that extra time would be needed to separate the two giants.

The additional 30 minutes offered more of the same tactical chess match, but just as penalties loomed, Liverpool found the breakthrough. Trent Alexander-Arnold whipped in a dangerous free-kick, and the towering figure of van Dijk rose highest to head the ball past a helpless Kepa in the 119th minute.

Chelsea threw everything forward in a desperate search for an equalizer, but Liverpool held firm to secure their first trophy under manager Jurgen Klopp since the 2020 Premier League title.

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