Van Dijk leads Liverpool to Carabao cup glory
Virgil Van Dijk secured a dramatic 1-0 Carabao Cup final victory for Liverpool in extra time, heading in the winner just two minutes before the end.
Jurgen Klopp’s team, missing key players such as Mo Salah and Darwin Nunez, faced adversity with Ryan Gravenberch’s early injury exit.
Despite Chelsea’s first-half challenges, including a disallowed Raheem Sterling goal and a remarkable save by goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, Liverpool held on.
The match showcased moments of brilliance on both sides, with Cody Gakpo hitting the post for Liverpool and Van Dijk having a goal disallowed after a VAR review. Chelsea’s depth appeared advantageous, but Liverpool’s resilience prevailed.
Conor Gallagher’s attempts, hitting the post and being denied by Kelleher, highlighted the intensity. In extra time, Liverpool’s youthful substitutes impressed, ultimately culminating in Van Dijk’s 118th-minute header from a corner, setting the stage for a potential quadruple under Klopp.
Both Chelsea and Liverpool will shift their attention to the FA Cup fifth round, as Chelsea prepares to host Leeds United, while Liverpool faces Southampton at home on Wednesday night.
