Liverpool triumph over Fulham, securing EFL Cup final against Chelsea
Liverpool “can never take these things for granted” after they saw off Fulham to set up a Carabao Cup final with Chelsea, says manager Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds, holding a 2-1 advantage from the initial leg, secured their spot in the Wembley final on February 25 with a draw at Craven Cottage.
Luis Diaz opened the scoring early, skillfully controlling Jarell Quansah’s diagonal pass and beating Bernd Leno at the near post, aided by a deflection.
Although Marco Silva’s team leveled the score through Issa Diop’s finish from Harry Wilson’s deflected ball, Fulham couldn’t find a decisive second goal.
Despite a notable effort, including a saved long-range attempt from Wilson, Fulham’s quest for a maiden EFL Cup final continues.
“You should have seen the dressing room – they are over the moon, the young kids,” Klopp told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“The stadium [Wembley] will be full blue and red – it is a good one.
“Coming here tonight and then going through is special. You can never take these things for granted.
“After half an hour our foot slipped off the gas and it was more open. We had to bring it over the line and we are really looking forward to Wembley.”
Both sides are in FA Cup fourth-round action this weekend, with Fulham hosting Newcastle on Saturday and Liverpool at home to Norwich on Sunday.
Chelsea booked their place at Wembley on Tuesday with a 6-1 win over Championship club Middlesbrough, who won the first leg 1-0.
Liverpool get the job done
Despite Fulham’s commendable performance, Liverpool maintained control until the 75th minute, having the potential to extend their lead.
The team secured the victory, albeit enduring a tense conclusion. Liverpool is now poised to compete in their 14th League Cup final, positioning themselves just 90 minutes away from clinching silverware after a trophyless 2022-23 season.
Under Klopp’s guidance, the team, currently leading the Premier League, remains in contention for a domestic treble, having suffered only one domestic defeat against Tottenham on September 30.
With an impressive roster depth, Liverpool made 191 changes to their starting 11 this season, surpassing other Premier League clubs by 56 alterations.
Despite several opportunities to seal the tie, including Darwin Nunez’s close attempts, Diaz’s early goal and a disallowed second goal due to Nunez being offside ensured Liverpool’s advancement.
Andy Robertson, returning to the squad for the first time since sustaining a shoulder injury in October, remained an unused substitute for Liverpool’s left-back position.
For Fulham, the night held significant importance as they aspired to reach the final of the competition for the first time. Fans were provided with flags to create an electrifying atmosphere as the players emerged, fostering a sense that it could be a memorable evening at Craven Cottage.
In a moment of close opportunity, Andreas Pereira narrowly missed hitting the post from a tight angle after Tosin Adarabioyo outjumped Kelleher to the ball with his head.
The hosts found renewed hope when substitute Wilson delivered a precise pass to Diop, who skillfully nudged the ball home with his thigh, marking his first goal since October 2022.
Despite this resurgence, Fulham ultimately failed to generate a clear-cut chance to extend the game into an additional 30 minutes.
“I felt like they were much calmer than us and to them it was just another game,” said Silva.
“With most of our players it is new to them to play in a semi-final of this competition.
“I think the club is going to grow in these type of moments, and the players as well.”