How did the Liverpool vs Chelsea match unfold in normal time?
Liverpool beat Chelsea on penalties after the two sides remained deadlocked at 1-1 through the end of regulation time. The match was defined by two critical penalty decisions that swung the momentum back and forth during the first half at Anfield.
Chelsea took the lead in the 40th minute when Morgan Rogers converted a penalty. The foul occurred after Ryan Gravenberch collided with Moises Caicedo inside the area. However, Liverpool responded almost immediately. Just three minutes after Rogers' successful strike, Cody Gakpo equalised from the penalty spot following a handball by Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana.
The tactical approach of both managers heavily influenced the scoring pattern. Andoni Iraola implemented significant rotation to manage his squad, making seven changes to the Liverpool lineup that had previously defeated Brighton 2-0. In contrast, Xabi Alonso opted for more stability, making only four changes to the Chelsea squad that had suffered a 2-0 home defeat to Tottenham the previous Saturday.
What happened during the dramatic penalty shootout?
The penalty shootout concluded with a 6-5 scoreline in favour of Liverpool, marked by both missed opportunities and crucial saves. The tension at Anfield peaked as several players failed to convert their chances, keeping the contest alive until the final moments.
The shootout sequence was a rollercoaster of emotions for both sets of supporters. Chelsea's Valentin Barco saw his attempt hit the post, while Liverpool's Kostas Tsimikas missed a decisive chance by sending his shot over the bar. The goalkeepers played pivotal roles in maintaining the pressure; Chelsea's Mike Penders denied Ryan Gravenberch, but Liverpool's Giorgi Mamardashvili kept the hosts in contention by saving Emmanuel Emegha’s attempt.
The decisive moments of the shootout
The final stages of the shootout saw Joe Gomez successfully convert for Liverpool, putting immense pressure on the Chelsea defenders. The tie was ultimately decided when Wesley Fofana miscued his attempt, sending the ball into the Kop and handing the victory to the home side. This narrow margin allowed Liverpool to progress to the next stage of the competition.
What is the significance for managers Andoni Iraola and Xabi Alonso?
The match served as a high-profile tactical duel between childhood friends Andoni Iraola and Xabi Alonso. While Iraola secured the bragging rights, the result highlighted the differing trajectories of the two managers in their respective roles.
For Andoni Iraola, the victory continues a trend of success in the League Cup. Much like his predecessors Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, who both reached the final during their debut campaigns at Liverpool, Iraola is positioning himself to maintain the club's strong record in the competition. Liverpool are 10-time winners of the trophy, and this win provides much-needed momentum heading into a major fixture against Arsenal on Sunday.
Conversely, the result was a difficult outing for Xabi Alonso at Anfield. This defeat marked Alonso's third consecutive loss in his three managerial visits to the stadium. He previously faced defeats at Anfield while managing Bayer Leverkusen in 2024 and Real Madrid in 2025. Alonso expressed frustration with the nature of knockout football, noting that penalty shootouts often feel harsh for the side that is eliminated despite playing at a high level.
What are the next steps for both clubs?
Liverpool move forward into the Carabao Cup quarterfinals, where they are scheduled to face their former club, Bournemouth. The victory provides a vital boost to the team's confidence, particularly as they have faced recent struggles with their home form in Premier League play.
Chelsea, meanwhile, must refocus on their primary domestic objectives. Alonso emphasised that while the League Cup is a significant competition, the Premier League remains the main focus for his side. The team will look to recover from the disappointment of the shootout and the recent loss to Tottenham to find consistency in league play.
Frequently asked questions
Who won the Liverpool vs Chelsea penalty shootout?
Liverpool won the penalty shootout 6-5 to advance to the Carabao Cup quarterfinals. After the match ended 1-1 in normal time, the shootout saw several misses before Wesley Fofana's error ultimately secured the win for the hosts at Anfield.
Who scored the goals in regulation time?
Morgan Rogers scored for Chelsea in the 40th minute via a penalty. Cody Gakpo equalised for Liverpool just three minutes later, also from the penalty spot, following a handball by Wesley Fofana. No further goals were scored before the shootout.
How many changes did the managers make?
Andoni Iraola made seven changes to the Liverpool starting lineup, whereas Xabi Alonso made four changes to the Chelsea side. These rotations were part of the managers' efforts to manage squad depth during the mid-week fixture.
What is Andoni Iraola's record at Anfield?
Andoni Iraola secured a significant victory at Anfield, continuing a tradition of League Cup success at Liverpool. He is currently following in the footsteps of former managers Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot by progressing deep into the competition.
How has Xabi Alonso performed at Anfield?
Xabi Alonso has struggled at Anfield, recording three defeats in his last three managerial visits to the stadium. His previous losses there occurred while managing Bayer Leverkusen in 2024 and Real Madrid in 2025.
Key takeaways
- Liverpool defeated Chelsea 6-5 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
- Andoni Iraola's Liverpool will face Bournemouth in the League Cup quarterfinals.
- Xabi Alonso suffered his third consecutive defeat during a managerial visit to Anfield.
- Cody Gakpo and Morgan Rogers both scored penalties during the regulation period.
Conclusion
The Carabao Cup last-16 clash at Anfield provided a quintessential knockout football experience, defined by penalty drama and tactical rotations. Liverpool's ability to navigate the shootout ensures that Andoni Iraola continues the club's impressive lineage of League Cup success. While the victory offers a morale boost ahead of their clash with Arsenal, Chelsea must now pivot back to their Premier League campaign to recover from the disappointment of the shootout. For Xabi Alonso, the result reinforces the difficulty of managing at Anfield, a stadium that has proven challenging across his recent managerial stints.
