Liverpool have won the 2024 Carabao Cup, defeating Chelsea 1-0 in the final at Wembley. The Reds won the fixture the last time they faced Chelsea in the finals of the competition, and have been able to win the game in extra time, two years on. Virgil Van Dijk scored the winning goal late in the game after a corner taken by Kostas Tsimikas.Â
The Liverpool skipper led from the front, not only keeping a clean sheet but also making a difference at the other end. Mauricio Pochettino’s young Chelsea side, on the other hand, will have to cope with a loss in the finals, as the Wembley curse continues for the Blues.
Liverpool win 2024 Carabao Cup with Virgil Van Dijk goalÂ
It was a controversial final considering the refereeing involved. Moises Caicedo was lucky to escape a red card early in the game, with Ryan Gravenberch substituted due to an injury as a result of the tackle. Chelsea thought they had the lead against the run of play after that, with Raheem Sterling scoring.
But VAR showed that Nicolas Jackson was offside by the slightest of margins in the build-up. And therefore the goal was ruled out.
The second half was much more composed than the first one, with both teams nervous. Virgil Van Dijk’s original header was ruled out controversially, as Endo was judged to have obstructed Levi Colwill from an offside position. It was a call that baffled many, especially after an on field review.
Caoimhin Kelleher stepped up to the task once again, denying Chelsea time and time again as his side claimed yet another Carabao Cup at the cost of the Londoners. Pochettino’s trophy drought in England continues, and in spite of a spirited performance from Chelsea, they leave empty handed as Jurgen Klopp’s fairytale ending to life at Anfield receives its first silverware of the season.Â
