Liverpool holds on for a 1-1 draw against Fulham, securing an aggregate victory and advancing to the League Cup final

Luis Diaz played a decisive role by scoring a crucial goal, leading Liverpool to secure their spot in the 2024 Carabao Cup final with a 1-1 draw against Fulham in the second leg at Craven Cottage. Having entered the match with a 2-1 advantage from the initial encounter at Anfield, Liverpool successfully withstood a late surge from Marco Silva’s side, ultimately achieving a 3-2 victory on aggregate.

Despite Fulham’s aspirations for a historic comeback to reach the final for the first time in their history, Palhinha missed an opportunity in the eighth minute, volleying over and missing a chance to give them an early dream start.

Palhinha’s missed opportunity proved to be expensive, as just three minutes later, Luis Diaz outpaced Timothy Castagne to connect with a high, diagonal pass. He managed to sneak a deflected shot past Bernd Leno at his near post. Fulham showed improvement in the second half and came close to leveling the score when Andreas Pereira struck the post from a narrow angle, following Tosin Adarabioyo beating Caoimhin Kelleher to Willian’s cross.

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While it initially seemed that Liverpool would comfortably progress, a close-range goal from Issa Diop 13 minutes before the final whistle created a tense ending. The home team exerted pressure to force extra time, but Liverpool remained resolute, securing their place in the final.

In their 14th League Cup final on February 25, Liverpool will face Chelsea at Wembley. Jurgen Klopp’s team aims to lift the trophy for a record-extending 10th time.

DISCUSSION POINT – LIVERPOOL 2.0 PROGRESS ACROSS ALL COMPETITIONS

Liverpool Reloaded achieves their inaugural final, setting the stage for a familiar opponent, as Klopp has previously secured victories over Chelsea in both the League Cup and FA Cup finals in 2022.

In this match, a youthful Liverpool side displayed maturity, effectively managing what could have been a challenging second leg. Even when Fulham equalized, Klopp made strategic adjustments to solidify the defense, ensuring his team wouldn’t falter late in the game.

Liverpool’s focus now shifts to the FA Cup fourth-round clash with Norwich City at Anfield before a pivotal week in the Premier League. They face Chelsea midweek, followed by an away match against title contenders Arsenal on Sunday. Negotiating this demanding period becomes even more challenging due to recent absences of key players. Nevertheless, Klopp has demonstrated astute squad management, and Liverpool remains determined to excel on all fronts, with a notable EFL Cup success firmly within their sights.

PLAYER OF THE MATCH

Luis Diaz (Liverpool) displayed continuous energy throughout the game. His dynamic runs created numerous issues for Fulham, and his seventh goal of the season proved crucial in the context of the tie.

PLAYER RATINGS

FULHAM: Leno 6, Castagne 6, Robinson 7, Tosin 7, Diop 7, Palhinha 7, Cairney 7, De Cordova-Reid 6, Andreas 6, Willian 6, Raul 6. Subs: Wilson 7, Tete n/a, Muniz n/a, Reed n/a.

LIVERPOOL: Kelleher 6, Bradley 7, Quansah 8, Van Dijk 8, Gomez 8, Mac Allister 7, Elliott 6, Gravenberch 6, Diaz 8*, Nunez 8, Gakpo 7. Subs: Jota 6, Jones 6, Clark n/a, Konate n/a.

Matchcast: Complete match statistics and commentary

MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

08’ – FULHAM CHANCE! Liverpool lapses in concentration from a right-wing corner, but Palhinha inexplicably volleys over from 15 yards despite being left unmarked.

11’ – GOAL! – Fulham 0-1 Liverpool: (Diaz – Liverpool lead 3-1 on aggregate). Luis Diaz controls a long, diagonal ball, surges into the left side of the area, and fires a deflected shot beyond Leno at his near post.

53’ – FULHAM CHANCE! Kelleher misses Willian’s cross from the left. Tosin meets it, but Andreas hits the post from a narrow angle with the goal wide open.

77’ – GOAL! – Fulham 1-1 Liverpool: (Diop – Liverpool lead 3-2 on aggregate). Wilson overcomes Bradley down the left, delivering a superb cross into the middle for Diop to guide home from inside the six-yard box.