Liverpool FC captain Virgil van Dijk headed the winner deep into extra time as Jurgen Klopp’s massively-depleted side beat Chelsea 1-0 to claim a record-extending 10th Carabao Cup.
The Dutch defender, who controversially had another header ruled out at the same end in the second half after VAR intervention, rose above Mykhailo Mudryk to nod in Kostas Tsimikas’ corner in the 118th minute.
It was no more than the Netherlands international, lifting his first trophy as Liverpool captain, deserved after a monumental performance in defence in a win which seemed against the odds for long periods.
Klopp became the third Liverpool manager to win the trophy more than once as his long goodbye to his departure at the end of the season began with the first of a potential four pieces of silverware.
But for opposite number Mauricio Pochettino his long wait for an English domestic trophy continues.Relive the action from Wembley plus get the latest Carabao Cup final odds and tips right here:
Carabao Cup final LIVE
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Jurgen Klopp’s youngsters leave Chelsea with a billion regrets after late Carabao Cup victory
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Liverpool defeat Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s late goal
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118’ GOAL! – Van Dijks opens scoring with headed effort (CHE 0-1 LIV)
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117’ SAVE! – Petrovic denies Elliott at the death (CHE 0-0 LIV)
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85’ CHANCE! – Kelleher charges down Gallagher’s effort (CHE 0-0 LIV)
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76’ POST! – Gallagher turns Palmer’s pass onto the post (CHE 0-0 LIV)
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63’ DISALLOWED! – Van Dijk’s goal ruled out by VAR (CHE 0-0 LIV)
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39’ POST! – Gakpo nods the ball onto the post (CHE 0-0 LIV)
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32’ DISALLOWED! – Sterling’s goal is chalked out for offside (CHE 0-0 LIV)
Chelsea FC 0 – 1 Liverpool FC
Jurgen Klopp’s youngsters leave Chelsea with a billion regrets after late Carabao Cup victory
18:17 , Mike Jones
By the end, it was the sort of side only seen on the pitch together in pre-season friendlies. There was Jayden Danns, James McConnell and Bobby Clark, who have two first-team starts for Liverpool between them. And they were taking on Chelsea, flush from spending £1bn, in the most expensive makeover in footballing history.
But money couldn’t buy Chelsea a trophy or the spirit, ambition and resolve of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side. The first silverware of the season, the first of a possible quadruple, went to the kindergarten Klopps, to the kids who left Chelsea with a billion regrets. This was another example of Klopp’s ability to script the improbable. The last chapters in his story may be as astonishing as some of the earlier ones.
Klopp’s youngsters leave Chelsea with a billion regrets after League Cup victory
Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher giving his reaction:
18:43 , Mike Jones
“These are the moments you dream about. It’s better for the heart than penalties! Another amazing moment for me, I’m delighted.
“We won’t get ahead of ourselves, but this is great for momentum. We are in a good place right now.
“He’s [Virgil van Dijk] unbelievable, always fit, always showing up for us. He is pushing us on to win more trophies.”
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, speaking to Sky Sports:
18:39 , Mike Jones
“Amazing, an amazing evening. We got the job done, I’m proud of the team.
“He’s [Caoinhim Kelleher] world class, and he stepped up again today. He’s a good keeper, what we need at a club like Liverpool.
“When you’re younger and get an opportunity you have to grab it with both hands. They should use this to kick on, and I’m sure they will, they should keep pushing to get close to the first team and be part of the squad. Being part of this as a teenager only benefits you.
“I won’t speak too soon, but hopefully we can win a few more. The talk about it being Klopp’s last season is not from within the squad, that is from the outside.”
Conor Gallagher’s three Carabao Cup final misses sum up Chelsea’s crisis
18:35 , Mike Jones
And so the long walk began.
The head dropped, the shoulders sank and Conor Gallagher ran his hand across his face for a final time, the pain of his three misses in the Carabao Cup final written deep in his eyes. Chelsea’s wait for domestic silverware and their Wembley curse continues, with four straight defeats in finals, three of them now to Liverpool.
Yet Gallagher, on a different day, would have been a worthy match-winner for this Chelsea, a symbol of a new era. He came off exhausted, largely very good in an otherwise sloppy and disjointed performance from his team, but three lung-bursting runs into the Liverpool penalty box brought three opportunities.
They were wasted and Chelsea, by the end, could have no complaints after they were denied by Virgil van Dijk’s winner.
Conor Gallagher’s three Carabao Cup final misses sum up Chelsea’s crisis
Liverpool finally find a way to end improbable cup final affliction in unexpected fashion
18:32 , Mike Jones
In the end at Wembley, penalties were not quite required, but otherwise, fans watching at home and from afar could be forgiven for wondering if it was a two-year old replay unfolding before their eyes.
Caoimhin Kelleher heroics against Chelsea? Check. VAR-led disallowed goals? Check. Woodwork hit by both teams? Check again. And above all else, the unusual sight of Liverpool failing to match their usual exploits in the final third, both in terms of creating chance and – more importantly – taking them.
For a club which habitually nets over 100 a season – they were at the century mark already for 2023/24 heading into this game – cup finals seem to render them improbably impotent in the penalty box. Even last year, when cup finals were a distant dream, the Reds scored 103 in all competitions.
Liverpool finally find a way to end improbable cup final affliction
Liverpool win the Carabao Cup
18:29 , Mike Jones
Liverpool win the Carabao Cup
18:24 , Mike Jones
Ryan Gravenberch is celebrating on the pitch with the rest of his team. The midfielder is on crutches with a protective boot on after getting injured during the game.
He’ll think it was all worth it at this minute though.
Gary Neville gives brutal verdict on Chelsea squad after Carabao Cup final heartbreak
18:17 , Mike Jones
Gary Neville wrote the headlines when he made a decisive statement in the aftermath of Virgil van Dijk’s winning goal for Liverpool against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final.
The game looked like it might go to penalties without a goal, just like the 2022 final had done between the two sides, but Liverpool’s captain and most experienced player timed his run perfectly to head home a Kostas Tsimikas corner with just three minutes of extra time remaining.
When the final whistle blew, Neville, proclaimed as co-commentator on Sky Sports: “(Jurgen) Klopp’s kids against the blue billion-pound bottlejobs”.
Gary Neville’s brutal verdict on Chelsea squad after Carabao Cup final heartbreak
Jamie Redknapp on magic of Jurgen Klopp
18:14 , Mike Jones
Speaking on Sky Sports, former Liverpool player Jamie Redknapp said: “What a man. How do you follow that? How do you follow Jurgen Klopp?
“Trying to come to Liverpool after what he’s done and what he’s created, it’s virtually impossible. It is. The guy is just such a leader of men.
“He’s led a city, every Liverpool fan around the world has looked up to that man and what he’s achieved.
“He’s turned around a club that was struggling at the time and made everyone believe in what he was trying to achieve, and even those young players he has given opportunities to, the belief he has got in all of them.
“He’s just an incredible human being.”
Liverpool win the Carabao Cup
18:11 , Mike Jones
The celebrations begin for Liverpool, the new Carabao Cup champions.
Liverpool win the Carabao Cup
18:08 , Mike Jones
The Liverpool fans serenade the team and managers with a rendition of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ and Klopp looks emotional on the Wembley pitch.
Here’s the team lifting the cup:
Post-match reaction from Van Dijk
18:04 , Mike Jones
The Liverpool captain was asked if he is savouring this moment with manager Jurgen Klopp who is leaving at the end of the season. He replied: “You should always savour the good moments, this is definitely one of them.
“Listen, we will never take things for granted and you see today it could have been the other was as well that we lost but we did a job, even with all the problems we have had before the game.
“I’m so proud, proud to be part of this club and especially proud of the boys.”
Jamie Carragher reacts to Liverpool win
18:03 , Mike Jones
“Great scenes for those young players.
“I said when it was announced that Jurgen Klopp was leaving that it’s up to these Liverpool players to send him out with a bang and they’ve started it well.”
Liverpool’s matchwinner Virgil van Dijk speaking to Sky Sports
18:00 , Mike Jones
“So much. All the young boys on the pitch, in extra time. It’s incredible, I’m so proud of the team.
“Intense game for both sides, they had chances we had chances. Amazing. First trophy as Liverpool captain, it’s all for the fans so let’s enjoy it.
“It’s emotion, it’s everything I am so proud of the boys. All of the young boys playing their part in what we achieved today it’s incredible and on to more.”
FT Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool
17:57 , Mike Jones
Jurgen Klopp and Virgil van Dijk meet in the middle of the stands and the Liverpool captain lifts the cup with his head coach. They hoist it into the sky and the music plays.
The celebrations begin, Liverpol are the Carabao Cup champions for 2024.
FT Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool
17:55 , Mike Jones
The reaction is totally different for Jurgen Klopp’s reds. They are smiling, bouncing and celebrating on their way up through the stands.
Klopp is beaming fro ear to ear. He is going to be a huge miss for Liverpool when he leaves at the end of the season.
FT Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool
17:53 , Mike Jones
Chelsea trudge up the stairs to receive their runners-up medals. They look heartbroken and disappointed. It’s a cruel walk when you’ve lost a final at Wembley.
Extra-time full-time! Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool
17:42 , Mike Jones
120+3 mins: There goes the whistle! Liverpool have done it. With their youngsters and the experienced head of Virgil van Dijk the Reds have come to Wembley and swept Chelsea aside again.
Jurgen Klopp celebrates. The fans celebrate. Liverpool are the Carabao Cup champions.
Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool
17:41 , Mike Jones
120 mins: There’s three minutes of added time to play. Three minutes for Liverpool to hold on to this lead. Chelsea are imploding.
GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool (Van Dijk, 118’)⚽️
17:38 , Mike Jones
118 mins: GOAL!
It’s that man Virgil van Dijk who scores for Liverpool. A corner ball is whipped in by Kostas Tsimikas and the Liverpool captain leaps up highest and bombs his header into the far bottom corner.
Petrovic leaps across but he can’t get there. Two minutes or so to play can Chelsea respond?
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
17:35 , Mike Jones
117 mins: Save! Tsimikas swings a cross in from the left and finds Elliott on the back post. The Liverpool man turns it towards goal but Petrovic drops low and keeps it out with his left leg.
Danns tries to scurry it over the line but Petrovic recovers and grabs hold of the ball.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
17:32 , Mike Jones
114 mins: Ben Chilwell jogs off the pitch for Chelsea with Trevoh Chalobah brought on to replace him for these last few minutes. That’s a bit surprising as Chilwell can take a mean penalty.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
17:30 , Mike Jones
111 mins: Chelsea now push up the pitch with Madueke on one side and Mudryk on the other both causing problems with dribbles and dashes into the penalty area.
Madueke dances inside from the right and curls a left-footed shot at goal. There’s a slight deflection which makes things easier for Kelleher who smothers the effort despite a little fumble.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
17:27 , Mike Jones
108 mins: McConnell drags Palmer back as Chelsea look to break on the counter attack. It’s a cynical tackle from the youngster but a good one as it allows Liverpool to get back into shape.
Extra-time second half! Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
17:25 , Mike Jones
Jarell Quansah has been brought on for Liverpool with Ibrahima Konate the man replaced. Will these youngsters feel the pressure of a penalty shootout if this match goes that far?
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
17:21 , Mike Jones
105+1 mins: One half of extra-time comes to an end with neither side managing to get a breakthrough. That 15 minutes belonged to Liverpool, can Chelsea respond in the next 15?
Quarter of an hour to go until penalties.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
17:17 , Mike Jones
102 mins: The Liverpool fans are in full voice once again with a muted response from the Chelsea supporters. On the pitch the Blues are starting to get into the half though there’s only a few minutes left before a break.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
17:14 , Mike Jones
99 mins: Close! Luis Diaz receives the ball and spins towards goal before floating a cross over to the back post.
Harvey Elliott is there to meet the ball on the volley but pings his effort into the ground and watches as the ball rattles into the wrong part of the side-netting.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
17:13 , Mike Jones
98 mins: Chelsea have started slowly here and look leggy in comparison to Liverpool’s young substitutes. Conor Gallagher seems to have run himself into the ground and is taken off for Noni Madueke.
Liverpool win a free kick that Tsimikas curls to the back post. Konate keeps it alive but sends his own cross into the hands of Petrovic.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
17:10 , Mike Jones
96 mins: Kostas Tsimikas swings a corner into the penalty area as Chelsea put everyone inside the box. The initial ball is nodded away but Liverpool recycle it over to Van Dijk.
He heads the ball across to Danns who powers a header of his own at goal only for Petrovic to palm the ball over the top of the crossbar.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
17:07 , Mike Jones
93 mins: Elliott whips in a cross from the right and almost picks out Danns in the box. The ball drifts over the top of his head and Chelsea scurry to clear the ball away from Luis Diaz.
Bright start to extra-time for Liverpool.
Extra-time! Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
17:05 , Mike Jones
Chelsea kick off extra-time. 30 more minutes to play at Wembley. Will Jurgen Klopp regret bringing on his youngsters? Chelsea are the team in the ascendancey.
Full-time! Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
17:01 , Mike Jones
90+6 mins: There goes the whistle to bring the first 90 minutes to an end. The teams have somehow played out a goalless stalemate despite hitting the woodwork and having a goal each disallowed.
There’s another 30 minutes yet to play at Wembley and possibly a penalty shootout.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:55 , Mike Jones
90+2 mins: Oh my word!
The ball will not go in the net. Nkunku, Palmer, Gusto and Nkunku again all have shots from the right side of the penalty but between Kelleher and Konate they are all denied.
Wonderful defending but Chelsea have their tails up in these potentially closing moments.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:53 , Mike Jones
90 mins: Mykhailo Mudryk comes on for Chelsea with Nicolas Jackson the man to give way. There’s six minutes of added time to play before extra time.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:51 , Mike Jones
88 mins: Jurgen Klopp makes a triple changes and brings on his youthful substitutes. Jayden Danns, James McConnell and Kostas Tsimikas all come on to replace Andy Robertson, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo.
What an occasion this is for these youngsters.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:49 , Mike Jones
85 mins: Chance! That was the moment.
Cole Palmer receives the ball from Enzo Fernandez and dances down the right wing as Chelsea burst forward. Christopher Nkunku takes the defenders away as Palmer threads a perfect pass through to Conor Gallagher.
He tips the ball into the box but Caoimhim Kelleher is on top of him immediately and Gallagher’s shot is charged down by the goalkeeper!
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:45 , Mike Jones
82 mins: Ibrahima Konate goes in the book for a wayward challenge on Enzo Fernandez. There is a degree of desperation to proceedings now as both teams try to win the game without giving up the chance of losing it.
There are a lot of nervous faces in the crowd now.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:42 , Mike Jones
79 mins: One goal will win this game.
Whoever scores inside the 90 minutes will be crowned Carabao Cup champions. Can one of the teams find that winning goal?
Elliott picks out Gomez on the right side of the box and his effort is smoked straight into the hands of Petrovic.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:39 , Mike Jones
76 mins: Post!
Cole Palmer drives the ball down the right wing before feeding a wonderful pass into the box for Conor Gallagher. He sweeps into a gap between Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate then guides the ball towards the back post.
His aim is too good and the ball hits the upright before rebounding back into play where Liverpool belt it clear.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:38 , Mike Jones
75 mins: Clark’s first impact on the game is to win a corner which Alexis Mac Allister sends into the penalty area. The ball hits Ibrahima Konate in the chest and he is unable to control it properly meaning Chelsea work it clear.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:35 , Mike Jones
73 mins: 19-year-old Bobby Clark comes on for Liverpool now for Liverpool with Conor Bradley the man taken off. There’s a touch over quarter of an hour left to play with a potential half an hour added on if this match goes to extra time.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:34 , Mike Jones
72 mins: Close! Luis Diaz goes direct and drives through the middle of Chelsea’s formation before offloading the ball to Cody Gakpo.
Gakpo shoots first time but leans back on the effort and loops it over the crossbar!
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:32 , Mike Jones
69 mins: Mauricio Pochettino has made a change for Chelsea with Christopher Nkunku brought on to replace Raheem Sterling. The Chelsea boss obviously feels a direct approach is needed to break through the Liverpool defence.
The free kick is nodded out for a corner which then gets swung into the six yard area. Axel Disasi bursts forward to meet the ball but knees his effort over the crossbar.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:30 , Mike Jones
66 mins: Andy Robertson has a couple of swipes at Conor Gallagher and takes out the Chelsea midfielder over by the Liverpool corner flag.
Chelsea have a big chance to whip the ball in here.
Disallowed! Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:27 , Mike Jones
63 mins: Disallowed!
VAR has had its say on the game and Liverpool’s goal has been ruled out for offside. Wataru Endo was in a offside position when the ball was swung in.
He blocked a defender from getting to Virgil van Dijk and thus the goal doesn’t stand.
GOAL! Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool (Van Dijk, 60’)⚽️
16:25 , Mike Jones
60 mins: Liverpool take the lead!
They win a free kick over on the left wing which Andy Robertson swings into the middle of the penalty area. Ben Chilwell is marking Virgil van Dijk but gets brushed aside as the Liverpool captain gets his head to the ball first.
He nods it into the bottom corner of the net and sends Liverpool in front.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:22 , Mike Jones
57 mins: Cole Palmer drives down the wing but in the absence of options he takes a shot a smokes it wide of goal.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:16 , Mike Jones
54 mins: Nearly!
There’s a collective groan from the Chelsea fans as they fail to make use of a fantastic opportunity. There’s too much space between Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley meaning Nicolas Jackson gets to carry the ball into the box.
He slips it to Conor Gallagher who picks out Enzo Fernandez. Raheem Sterling is free and wants the ball but Fernandez attempts to backheel a shot into the net and messes up.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:13 , Mike Jones
51 mins: Harvey Elliott is always eager to chase after the ball and nicks it away from Enzo Fernandez only to run the ball out of play on right wing.
Chelsea then send it long towards Nicolas Jackson. The forward gets into a tangle with Ibrahima Konate and both men hit the deck.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:10 , Mike Jones
48 mins: Close! Luis Diaz is played in behind down the left and carries the ball into the box. He looks to square the ball but Axel Disasi is on hand to turn it behind for a corner.
The initial ball is nodded away by the Blues but a scrap in the edge of the box sees the ball bobble loose to Endo who whips a shot wide of the far post!
Second half! Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
16:07 , Mike Jones
Chelsea get the ball rolling at Wembley once again.
This is a big 45 minutes for Liverpool, Chelsea have more experienced options from the bench so the longer this match goes on the better off the Blues will be.
An opening goal could be crucial for either team.
Ryan Gravenberch adds to Liverpool’s mounting injury woes
16:04 , Mike Jones
Liverpool’s injury woes took a turn for the worse when Ryan Gravenberch was carried off on a stretcher less than half an hour into the Carabao Cup final.
Jurgen Klopp was already forced into naming a youthful side, with very few experienced options on the bench for the clash.
Conor Bradley was named in the starting XI, with first-choice right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold ruled out with a lateral collateral ligament injury.
Ryan Gravenberch adds to Liverpool’s mounting injury woes
Why do Liverpool fans boo the national anthem?
16:00 , Mike Jones
Many Liverpool fans booed the national anthem as it was played at Wembley Stadium before Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.
Liverpool supporters have a long-held opposition towards the establishment, with the booing of the national anthem becoming widespread in the 1980s and during the Conservative government’s “managed decline” of the city. The failings of the government following the Hillsborough disaster further entrenched those feelings.
That anger against social and economic inequality among a left-leaning city and fanbase have remained, and the national anthem continues to be booed when Liverpool play showpiece finals, and those exceptional moments when the national anthem is played before Premier League games, as was the case on the day of King Charles III’s coronation.
Why do Liverpool fans boo the national anthem?
Carabao Cup build-up marred by ticketing chaos outside Wembley
15:56 , Mike Jones
The Carabao Cup final was hit by ticketing issues in the build up to kick off that saw at least hundreds of fans queuing outside the gate.
In the half an hour before kick off, there were crowds of both sets of fans left struggling to get in.
Sky Sports reported that there was an issue initially affecting Liverpool fans, but the same problem was also evident at both gates.
Carabao Cup build-up marred by ticketing chaos outside Wembley
Half-time! Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:52 , Mike Jones
45+6 mins: The whistle goes to end an event filled first half at Wembley. The only thing lacking is a goal. Plenty of talking points for the managers at the break.
Everything is still to play for in the second half.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:49 , Mike Jones
45+3 mins: Now then. We’ve got a scuffle on our hands after a coming together between Conor Bradley and Ben Chilwell. The pair square off and have a little barney which earns both players a yellow card but things quickly settle down.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:46 , Mike Jones
45 mins: Liverpool’s attacking players line up to take shots from inside the box but Chelsea hold their nerve and manage to keep the ball out before scooping it away from the danger zone.
There’s six minutes of added time to play at the end of this half.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:44 , Mike Jones
42 mins: Half time is quickly approaching with the teams still deadlocked at Wembley. This has been a thoroughly entertaining first half though neither side has managed to find the back of the net.
Will there be a goal before the break?
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:41 , Mike Jones
39 mins: Post!
Diaz comes down the left side and links up with Mac Allister. The ball is rolled back to Robertson who lifts a dainty cross into the penalty area.
Gakpo leaps into the air, wins the header and nods it into the back post before Chelsea scramble it clear!
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:38 , Mike Jones
36 mins: Sterling makes adart down the left wing and collects a chipped pass over the top. He feeds it into the box for Gallagher who pulls it back.
Palmer is on hand but gets beaten to the ball and Kelleher smothers the danger.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:34 , Mike Jones
32 mins: Disallowed!
Chelsea get the ball in the back of the net first as an aerial ball comes over to Cole Palmer. He feeds it down the line for Nicolas Jackson’s run through the middle of the centre-backs.
He collects the ball, drives into the right side of the box and curls a pass across to Raheem Sterling who slots it home with ease.
The assistant referee sends the offside flag up and a quick delay for a VAR check shows that his decision was correct.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:32 , Mike Jones
30 mins: Chelsea have settled down a bit. They’re seeing more of the ball and getting into Liverpool’s half as the Reds try to gel in the new formation.
Jurgen Klopp doesn’t look to have relaxed on the sidelines yet. He’s still ticking.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:28 , Mike Jones
27 mins: The lack of experienced substitutes for Liverpool mean that Jurgen Klopp does not have a like-for-like replacement for Ryan Gravenberch.
Jurgen Klopp is fuming with the officials on the sidelines over that tackle.
Liverpool have undergone a formation changes with Gomez slotting in at right-back and Conor Bradley pushed onto the right wing and Harvey Elliott dropped into midfield.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:26 , Mike Jones
24 mins: Ryan Gravenberch is the victim of a heavy tackle that gets Mo Salah and many of the Liverpool back room staff out of their seats.
Moises Caicedo landed on Gravenberch’s ankle which twisted under him. The stretcher is being brought out for the Liverpool midfielder which is another injury they don’t need.
Joe Gomez is getting ready to come on.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:22 , Mike Jones
21 mins: Save!
Huge moment. Chelsea break up the pitch after feeding the ball across to Conor Gallagher on the right side. He curls a low pass across the box and picks out Raheem Sterling on the run.
Sterling can’t control the ball but it bounces into the path of Cole Palmer who rattles one at goal only for Caoimhim Kelleher to leap to his left and stop the ball with his body.
Massive save from the Liverpool goalkeeper.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:20 , Mike Jones
20 mins: Conor Bradley is fed the ball after drifting into midfield and spins away from Enzo Fernandez. He carries it within range of goal and takes a shot only for the first defender, may Ben Chilwell, to get the block in.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:18 , Mike Jones
18 mins: The Liverpool fans have been the loudest inside the stadium and their team is replicating that enthusiasm on the pitch. Chelsea, bar a couple of set pieces, haven’t really threatened and look nervous and shaky at the back.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:16 , Mike Jones
15 mins: Chance!
Axel Disasi is caught in possession deep inside his own half by Cody Gakpo. Gakpo releases the ball to Luis Diaz who takes it into the area and shoots only for Petrovic to drop low and smother the effort.
Big opportunity for Liverpool that one.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:15 , Mike Jones
14 mins: Shot! Liverpool burst up the pitch on the break and move the ball around the box before Luis Diaz’s shot is blocked just inside the penalty area.
The Reds recover possession through Wataru Endo who pokes it up to Alexis Mac Allister. He drills a shot from range and fizzes the effort into the hands of Djordje Petrovic.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:13 , Mike Jones
12 mins: Chelsea win themselves the first corner of the match which Ben Chilwell, Chelsea’s captain today, whips into the middle of the box.
Caoimhim Kelleher comes out to punch the ball away but it drops to Conor Gallagher. He looks the keep the pressure on and wins a free kick after Luis Diaz bundles him to the ground.
The free kick is then swung into the box but Liverpool work it safely away.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:11 , Mike Jones
9 mins: The Reds are awarded a couple of free kick over in the right side of the pitch. Both are whipped into the penalty area by Alexis Mac Allister but neither challenges the goalkeeper.
These opening stages belong to Liverpool though, they’re the team pressing the issue at present.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:07 , Mike Jones
6 mins: There are a few nerves knocking around from both teams. Levi Colwill strides out from the back with the ball and dances around Conor Bradley.
He touches it a little too far away from his own feet though and Alexis Mac Allister is quickly across to intercept. Colwill is forceful in trying to recover it and brings down the Liveprool midfielder.
Free kick to Liverpool.
Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:04 , Mike Jones
3 mins: The first few minutes see Liverpool attempt to take control of the ball. Ryan Gravenberch and Andy Robertson combine for a run down the left wing but they are quickly stopped and the ball comes rolling softly to Chelsea’s back line.
Malo Gusto then miscontrols the ball and lets it run out for a throw in. There’s a battle in the middle of the pitch once Liverpool launch the ball back into play but the ball is won by Conor Gallagher who won’t be afraid of throwing himself about this afternoon.
Kick off! Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool
15:01 , Mike Jones
The Liverpool fans boo the national anthem as they do most times they come to Wembley. The players shake hands with each other and jog out onto the pitch.
Liverpool get the ball rolling and work it over to the left wing where the ball is sent out of play.
Carabao Cup final LIVE
14:55 , Mike Jones
Here come the teams.
Jurgen Klopp and Mauricio Pochettino lead out their respective teams to thunderous applause with chants of ‘Liverpool, Liverpool, Liverpool!’ echoing around the arena.
The travelling fans are the loudest at the minute but can Chelsea silence them? EFL chair Rick Parry leads the executive party and starts to shake hands with the players.
The atmosphere is bubbling nicely, kick off is up next…
Carabao Cup final LIVE
14:53 , Mike Jones
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, speaking to Sky Sports: “It is always the same. You can never take it for granted and I would never do that. We are here and we should give it a try.
“Chelsea had good results before we faced them and after we faced them. We caused them problems and that is the plan for today.”
Carabao Cup final LIVE
14:50 , Mike Jones
Mauricio Pochettino’s side reached the final by beating AFC Wimbledon, Brighton & Hove Albion, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and Middlesbrough.
In 34 games in all competitions under Pochettino so far, Chelsea have won 17 times, drawn six and lost 11. A victory today would be their biggest under the Argentine coach.
Carabao Cup final LIVE
14:45 , Mike Jones
Jurgen Klopp could become the third Liverpool manager to win the League Cup trophy on more than one occasion. Bob Paisley won three and Gerard Houllier two.
Klopp has lost just one of his 13 games against Mauricio Pochettino in his managerial career with seven wins and five draws.
Carabao Cup final LIVE – Ticketing issues
14:41 , Sonia Twigg
There have been reports of ticketing issues for fans outside the stadium.
The problem was first affecting the Liverpool fans, but has since been causing problems for Chelsea fans and there are significant crowds and queuing from both sets of fans at the gates.
Why the Carabao Cup is so much more than just a trophy to Liverpool and Chelsea
14:40 , Mike Jones
In the last few days, Mauricio Pochettino has reminded his Chelsea players of the embarrassment they felt coming off the pitch at Anfield a few weeks ago. Liverpool eviscerated them 4-1. But Jurgen Klopp’s squad haven’t really dwelt on that victory themselves. They’ve had too much happening. Liverpool are going full steam ahead for four trophies.
This League Cup may well be a first on a few levels, but also a last.
It is at least possible it will be the last trophy that Klopp wins with Liverpool. It could well be a special afternoon, even if it isn’t totally realised on the day.
Why the Carabao Cup is much more than just a trophy to Liverpool and Chelsea
Van Dijk on Chelsea
14:35 , Mike Jones
“The thing is, and I think how we always have been in our success and in our focus, is that we focus on ourselves,” says Virgil van Dijk.
“Obviously they have their goals but I want to look at our goals, I want to achieve our goals that we have and we want to go out there and win the final.
“We know it’s going to be a tough game because Chelsea is a very good team with very good individual players that can make a difference.
“So, we have to be very good but I am definitely looking forward to the final and hopefully we can make it a proud Liverpool day and get our first trophy.”
Carabao Cup final LIVE
14:30 , Mike Jones
Mauricio Pochettino opened up about how he is feeling ahead of this afternoon’s final and claimed he is ‘relaxed and calm’ after a solid week of preparation.
“I am so relaxed,” Pochettino said, “I’m 51 years old, I am more experienced, I’ve played finals in Paris – I think the approach is very calm and relaxed. Of course, we go to work and when the moment arrives to play, then we will start to feel the adrenaline and of course, we want to win.
“But, like I told the players, we need to start the game at 3pm on Sunday. If we started thinking about the game one week before then we would spend too much energy.
“Preparing for the game is different from starting the game because we are preparing in a really good way. We are so happy with how things are going this week. We are going to arrive in a very good condition to challenge Liverpool.”
Carabao Cup final LIVE
14:25 , Mike Jones
Chelsea are looking to win their first domestic trophy since 2018, but they know they will need to be better than when they played Liverpool recently.
They were hammered 4-1 at Anfield in January though the Reds have since racked up quite an injury list of key players which could even things out.
Carabao Cup final LIVE
14:20 , Mike Jones
Jurgen Klopp’s men are unbeaten in their last eight meetings with Chelsea in all competitions, since a 1-0 league defeat at Anfield in March 2021.
The Reds have also kept four clean sheets in the last six encounters.
Alexis Mac Allister interview: How Liverpool’s ‘doctor’ fixed Jurgen Klopp’s midfield
14:15 , Mike Jones
Alexis Mac Allister has a daily habit, one the vast majority of footballers past and present can only envy. It is a reminder that he won football’s ultimate prize. “I look at it every single day,” he said.
‘It’ being his World Cup winner’s medal.
As the Argentinian prepares for his first final since possibly the greatest World Cup final of them all, a cerebral footballer, the architect of many a move, is constructing an idea.
“My plan is to one day create a little museum at home, a room where everything is there,” he said. “I have a replica of the World Cup, the medal and some more trophies – they are all in a safe place for now – and my plan is to be able to have a place for them where I can always see them.”
How Liverpool’s ‘football doctor’ fixed Jurgen Klopp’s midfield
How to watch the Carabao Cup final
14:10 , Mike Jones
Here’s a reminder of how to keep track of today’s match: Liverpool vs Chelsea will kick-off at 3pm on Sunday 25 February at Wembley Stadium.
It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football. Coverage starts from 2pm on Main Event and from 2:30pm on Sky Sports Football.
If you’re not a Sky customer you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass here to watch without a subscription.
If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you might need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN round-up is here to help and includes deals on VPNs in the market. Viewers using a VPN need to make sure that they comply with any local regulations where they are, and also with the terms of their service provider.
Chelsea vs Liverpool team changes
14:08 , Mike Jones
Mauricio Pochettino makes no changes to the Chelsea line-up that faced Manchester City last time out and earned a 1-1 in the Premier League. The Blues are clicking and should have a strong chance of taking the game to Liverpool.
Jurgen Klopp meanwhile makes two changes to the Liverpool side that defeated Luton last time out. Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez are replaced with Ibrahima Konate and Andy Robertson.
The big news is that Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez are not fit to play any part in the game.
Chelsea vs Liverpool line-ups
14:02 , Mike Jones
Chelsea XI: Petrovic; Gusto, Disasi, Colwill, Chilwell; Caicedo, Fernandez, Gallagher; Palmer, Jackson, Sterling
Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Bradley, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister, Endo; Elliott, Gakpo, Diaz
Klopp’s departure brings added incentive for Liverpool
13:55 , Mike Jones
Virgil van Dijk was asked if Jurgen Klopp’s departure at the end of the season means that Liverpool are more determined to win trophies and send the manager off in style.
“Yeah, I think everyone reacts obviously differently towards the news, like we all said over the last couple of weeks, all the players have given their reaction,” the Reds captain answered.
“But we want to focus on the task ahead of us and obviously the final is waiting for us, and that is what we are looking forward to all together: together with the players, together with the staff, together with the manager, and we want to make that a special day and get our first trophy of the season.
“That’s how we focus on the situation and the end of the season will be probably very emotional for a lot of people, including the manager, but we are not there yet. We shouldn’t look too far ahead, we should look at what is in front of us and that’s what we want to do.”
Carabao Cup final LIVE
13:48 , Mike Jones
The players from both have already arrived at the ground and surveyed the turf while the fans are making their way to Wembley full of cheer and excitement hoping to their team lift the trophy this afternoon.
Chelsea fans are already arriving in the capital en masse, and some have set up camp at a pub near Kings Cross, even hanging flags from lamposts outside.
Carabao Cup final LIVE
13:40 , Mike Jones
Liverpool have scored the fastest ever goal in this fixture, and it came against Chelsea. John Arne Riise struck after just 45 seconds in the 2005 showpiece, though the Blues won 3-2 after extra-time.
If today’s match starts in such a fashion we’ll be in for a cracking game.
‘Carabao Cup final more important for us now than winning Champions League’
13:32 , Mike Jones
“I think this is arguably more important,” Ben Chilwell says, as the Chelsea defender considers the significance of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool when compared to one of the club’s greatest nights: winning the Champions League in Porto.
Chilwell is one of the survivors of that night three years ago, one of only three members of the Chelsea squad along with Reece James and Thiago Silva to have brought a trophy back to Stamford Bridge.
If that underlines the scale of the transformation at Chelsea since the club last lifted silverware, with seismic change both on and off the pitch contributing to what has often appeared to be the confused mess of their current plight, it is almost as if Chilwell understands that he is talking about two different clubs: Chelsea then and Chelsea now.
Ben Chilwell: ‘Carabao Cup final more important than winning Champions League’
Van Dijk on playing in big finals
13:23 , Mike Jones
Virgil van Dijk says that it’s always a ‘special feeling’ to participate in a cup final and that a victory at Wembley this afternoon would give his team a ‘massive boost’ for the bck end of the season.
“It’s a special feeling,” said the Liverpool captain,
“Playing finals for this football club is something out of this world and obviously you don’t want to lose finals first and foremost, but it is always a special thing and it is the first chance for silverware.
“Hopefully, if it happens, it will give us a massive boost for the last part of the season. It’s amazing and we all should enjoy the occasion, but definitely be out there and show the quality that we have.”
Pochettino insists Chelsea ‘ready’ to win Carabao Cup final against Liverpool
13:15 , Mike Jones
Mauricio Pochettino believes Chelsea are “ready” to win the Carabao Cup after recent results that have altered the course of their season ahead of Sunday’s final.
The meeting with Liverpool at Wembley will be the club’s first final since co-owner Todd Boehly took charge and embarked on a radical overhaul that has so far not brought success.
Carabao Cup final LIVE
13:07 , Mike Jones
Of Liverpool’s nine previous League Cup final victories, only two were achieved inside 90 minutes with those being against Bolton Wanderers in 1995 and Manchester United in 2003.
The other seven required extra-time, penalty shootouts or replays.
Don’t judge me on winning titles, says Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino
12:58 , Mike Jones
Mauricio Pochettino has urged Chelsea supporters not to judge him on whether or not his team lifts the Carabao Cup at Wembley on Sunday.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool stand in the way of a first trophy since co-owner Todd Boehly bought the club in May 2022 and began a radical overhaul.
The Argentinian is also aiming to win silverware for the first time in England, having been runner-up in this competition to his current club in 2015 while in charge of Tottenham.
Don’t judge me on winning titles, says Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino
Klopp and Liverpool stars inspect Wembley pitch ahead of final
12:50 , Mike Jones
Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool players were seen inspecting the Wembley pitch ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.
The two sides go toe-to-toe for the first domestic silverware of the season on Sunday 25 February.
Liverpool are looking to win a record-extending 12th League Cup, while Chelsea are chasing their sixth crown.
The Blues are also looking to win their first domestic trophy since 2018 after losing three Wembley finals in a row – including both Carabao Cup and FA Cup finals to Liverpool on penalties two years ago.
Carabao Cup final LIVE
12:42 , Mike Jones
Liverpool are aiming to lift the trophy for a record 10th time, which would put them two successes ahead of Manchester City. In comparison Chelsea have won the League Cup five times with their most recent success coming in 2014-15.
Van Dijk ‘proud’ to captain Liverpool at Wembley
12:34 , Mike Jones
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says he is ‘very proud’ to lead out the Reds at Wembley this afternoon as the Merseyside club looks to win another trophy during the tenure of Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds face Chelsea in a repeat of the 2022 Carabao Cup final with this match the club’s first final since Van Dijk’s appointment as captain.
“Very proud, very proud,” Van Dijk told Liverpoolfc.com. “Of course it was, I won’t say a relief, but [I had] the feeling of being proud when we obviously got the job done at Fulham and it will be a very proud day, a special day.
“Hopefully we can make it the best possible outcome by winning the cup and taking it back to Liverpool.
“I very much look forward to it. I very much look forward to seeing all our fans there of course, and hopefully getting our first silverware of the season.
“Obviously in this competition a lot of youngsters have contributed to where we are at the moment so everyone can feel proud and connected to where we are at the moment – and I think that’s why it’s good that we are there.”
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent’s website