Liverpool reach League Cup final after 1-1 draw with Fulham
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Liverpool's Luis Diaz celebrates scoring their first goal against Fulham in the League Cup semi-finals.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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LONDON – Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said that it was simply “a night to qualify for a final”, after his side survived a scare in their 1-1 draw with Fulham in the second leg of the League Cup semi-finals on Jan 24.
The Reds held a 2-1 advantage from the first leg at Anfield and led through Luis Diaz early in the first half at Craven Cottage.
But they missed several chances to kill off Fulham before Issa Diop’s late goal set the stage for a dramatic finale.
Liverpool barely held on under Fulham’s barrage of pressure before finally clinching the 3-2 aggregate success.
“This was not a night to shine or play a bit of fancy football, it was a night to qualify for a final,” said Klopp.
“The boys did really well and I’m really happy.
“The very young ones have been incredible. I’m so happy to see their reaction in the dressing room.”
In a repeat of the 2022 final they won on penalties, the Reds will make their 14th appearance in the League Cup showpiece against Chelsea at Wembley on Feb 25.
“We had the experience before, we know what to expect. Again Chelsea. Wow, what a story that is,” Klopp added.
Liverpool have won the League Cup a record nine times.
Chelsea, who routed Middlesbrough 6-2 on aggregate in the other semi-final,
With Mohamed Salah suffering a serious hamstring injury
But in Salah’s absence, the team still defeated Bournemouth 4-0 last weekend,
Willian Borges Da Silva (centre) of Fulham in action during the EFL Carabao Cup semi finals 2nd leg match between Fulham FC and Liverpool FC, in London, Britain, on Jan 24, 2024.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
Liverpool are also still in the FA Cup and Europa League, giving them a chance for an incredible quadruple trophy haul this term.
Meanwhile, Fulham boss Marco Silva said that it was an “emotional” loss for his side.
“We have to be proud of the way we played in the games in this competition,” the Portuguese told Sky Sports.
“It wasn’t our best performance, probably the emotion of the game and after conceding so early it was hard to settle.
“Overall Liverpool played better than us but our commitment and attitude was always there.
“We tried until the end. After our goal it became a proper Cup tie and emotional as well.
“But we were not clinical. In these types of games, you have to be ruthless.” AFP
