Liverpool and Chelsea to clash in EFL Cup final

Liverpool will look to win a record-extending 10th EFL Cup trophy when they play Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, February 25. The Reds are into a 14th League Cup final after beating Fulham, who put up a fight in the second leg of their semi-final, 3-2 on aggregate.

Liverpool won the first leg of the semi-final 2-1 at Anfield Stadium just last week, and they even had to come from behind to secure that particular win. In the 1-1 draw on Wednesday at Craven Cottage, which hosted the second leg, it wasn’t easier as well, but Luis Díaz put an end to Liverpool’s wait for a first-half goal since December 26.

The Colombian struck in the eleventh minute to extend Liverpool’s aggregate lead, and Jurgen Klopp’s side took the lead to the break. French defender Issa Diop scored in the 77th minute to give Fulham an opportunity to level and give themselves a chance at a comeback.

However, Liverpool stood strong and created a repeat of the 2022 EFL Cup final, where they faced Chelsea. The Blues whitewashed Middlesbrough on Tuesday 6-1 to win 6-2 on aggregate after losing the first leg.

Liverpool defender Virgil van Djik praised his teammates, especially some of the youngsters who started, for performing well in front of the fans at Craven Cottage.

“We wanted to make sure we did the right things; Fulham played at home with a good atmosphere. We had to be ready to fight, we started the game very well and scored a good goal. We found a way and go to Wembley. I am proud of these guys. It is only the beginning for them. To go into a final with this performance is very good.” Virgil van Djik said.

Liverpool have won the trophy on the last four occasions they’ve scored up to the 13 goals that they have in the League Cup this season. The others were 16 in 1994-95, 20 in 2000-01, 13 in 2002-03, and 14 in 2011-12.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu