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Liverpool edge Chelsea on penalties to reach Carabao Cup quarter-finals
Published : Thursday, 29 October, 2026 at 9:51 AM
Observer Online Report
Liverpool defeated Chelsea 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time to book their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, with Joe Gomez scoring the decisive spot-kick before goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili helped seal the victory.
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana sent his penalty over the crossbar, ending the shootout and sending the Reds through. The result also marked a third defeat at Anfield for former Liverpool midfielder and current coach Xabi Alonso.
The shootout proved tense, with both sides initially converting their attempts. Gomez, who had made 280 appearances for Liverpool without scoring for the club, finally broke his duck with the decisive penalty.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch fouled Moisés Caicedo from behind as the Chelsea midfielder moved away from goal. Morgan Rogers converted from the spot to put Chelsea ahead, although the England midfielder endured a difficult evening overall.
Liverpool levelled after Fofana raised his arm unnecessarily during a scramble following a corner, handling the ball inside the penalty area. Cody Gakpo stepped up and converted to make it 1-1.
Rogers had a chance to restore Chelsea’s lead early in the second half but lost control of the ball while considering a pass to a teammate, allowing it to roll into the hands of Liverpool goalkeeper Mamardashvili.
Alexis Mac Allister and Alexander Isak were also introduced in the final 10 minutes, yet Liverpool could not find a winner before the end of regulation time.
The tie consequently went to penalties, where Mac Allister, Isak, Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola and Gomez scored for Liverpool. Chelsea’s successful takers included Pedro Neto, Rogers, Roméo Lavia, Jordan Henderson and Levi Colwill.
Liverpool had an earlier opportunity to finish the shootout when Kostas Tsimikas stepped up for their fifth penalty after Valentín Barco struck the post. However, Tsimikas sent his effort high into the stands, giving Chelsea another chance.
Ngumoha joined Liverpool from Chelsea two years ago, a move that reportedly caused tension between the clubs. His lively performance repeatedly troubled Chelsea’s defence, with Josh Acheampong booked in the 50th minute for fouling the youngster.
Tempers also flared following Gravenberch’s foul and Henderson’s conduct during the incident that led to Chelsea’s opening penalty. As Liverpool supporters jeered their former captain, Henderson stood over the ball before eventually handing it to Rogers, who converted from the spot.
Both teams had rotated their starting line-ups ahead of the match. Liverpool made seven changes, leaving players such as Isak, Wirtz and Mac Allister out of the starting XI, while Chelsea made four alterations.
In the end, neither side could settle the contest during normal time. Liverpool’s composure in the shootout, combined with Mamardashvili’s crucial save and Fofana’s costly miss, proved decisive as the Reds advanced to the quarter-finals.
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana sent his penalty over the crossbar, ending the shootout and sending the Reds through. The result also marked a third defeat at Anfield for former Liverpool midfielder and current coach Xabi Alonso.
The shootout proved tense, with both sides initially converting their attempts. Gomez, who had made 280 appearances for Liverpool without scoring for the club, finally broke his duck with the decisive penalty.
The two teams had previously met in a dramatic Carabao Cup final at Wembley four years ago, when Liverpool prevailed 11-10 in a penalty shootout. This time, the contest was less prolonged but again ended in Liverpool’s favour.
The first half offered little in terms of quality, but the game burst into life shortly before the break, with both goals coming from penalties within four minutes.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch fouled Moisés Caicedo from behind as the Chelsea midfielder moved away from goal. Morgan Rogers converted from the spot to put Chelsea ahead, although the England midfielder endured a difficult evening overall.
Liverpool levelled after Fofana raised his arm unnecessarily during a scramble following a corner, handling the ball inside the penalty area. Cody Gakpo stepped up and converted to make it 1-1.
Rogers had a chance to restore Chelsea’s lead early in the second half but lost control of the ball while considering a pass to a teammate, allowing it to roll into the hands of Liverpool goalkeeper Mamardashvili.
At the other end, Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders denied Ronald Araújo with a looping header before keeping out a low effort from Bradley Barcola.
Florian Wirtz and Barcola came on before the hour mark as Liverpool looked to inject fresh energy into their attack. Barcola added some pace, but the substitutes struggled to make the decisive impact.
Alexis Mac Allister and Alexander Isak were also introduced in the final 10 minutes, yet Liverpool could not find a winner before the end of regulation time.
The tie consequently went to penalties, where Mac Allister, Isak, Gakpo, Wirtz, Barcola and Gomez scored for Liverpool. Chelsea’s successful takers included Pedro Neto, Rogers, Roméo Lavia, Jordan Henderson and Levi Colwill.
Liverpool had an earlier opportunity to finish the shootout when Kostas Tsimikas stepped up for their fifth penalty after Valentín Barco struck the post. However, Tsimikas sent his effort high into the stands, giving Chelsea another chance.
Mamardashvili then saved Emmanuel Emegha’s attempt, putting Liverpool back in control before Fofana’s miss finally settled the contest.
Teenager Rio Ngumoha was among Liverpool’s standout performers, catching the eye in both halves with his pace and direct running.
Ngumoha joined Liverpool from Chelsea two years ago, a move that reportedly caused tension between the clubs. His lively performance repeatedly troubled Chelsea’s defence, with Josh Acheampong booked in the 50th minute for fouling the youngster.
Tempers also flared following Gravenberch’s foul and Henderson’s conduct during the incident that led to Chelsea’s opening penalty. As Liverpool supporters jeered their former captain, Henderson stood over the ball before eventually handing it to Rogers, who converted from the spot.
Both teams had rotated their starting line-ups ahead of the match. Liverpool made seven changes, leaving players such as Isak, Wirtz and Mac Allister out of the starting XI, while Chelsea made four alterations.
In the end, neither side could settle the contest during normal time. Liverpool’s composure in the shootout, combined with Mamardashvili’s crucial save and Fofana’s costly miss, proved decisive as the Reds advanced to the quarter-finals.
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Editor : Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury
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Published by the Editor on behalf of the Observer Ltd. from Globe Printers, 24/A, New Eskaton Road, Ramna, Dhaka.
Editorial, News and Commercial Offices : Aziz Bhaban (2nd floor), 93, Motijheel C/A, Dhaka-1000.
Phone: PABX- 41053001-06; Advertisement: 41053012; 01793317829, 01550707291, 01550707296
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], Online-email: [email protected]
