Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola watched his side secure a 6-5 penalty shootout victory over Chelsea after a 1-1 draw at Anfield, marking their fifth consecutive shootout win against the Blues. The result leaves Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso with the FA Cup as his realistic trophy hope.
The match sparked into life late in the first half when Ryan Gravenberch brought down Moises Caicedo in the box, allowing Morgan Rogers to convert the resulting penalty. Within three minutes, Wesley Fofana handled the ball in his own area, giving Cody Gakpo the chance to level the score from the spot past goalkeeper Mike Penders.
Neither team managed to break the deadlock during a quiet second half, pushing the contest into a penalty shootout. Both sides missed chances before Joe Gomez scored his penalty, and Fofana sent his effort high into the Kop to seal the defeat for Alonso's team.
Jordan Henderson lined up in midfield for Chelsea alongside Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, facing Trey Nyoni. Chelsea deployed a back four with Malo Gusto playing on the left to cover Cody Gakpo. Liverpool left players including Florian Wirtz, Alexander Isak, and Bradley Barcola on the bench.
Referee Darren England issued yellow cards to Liverpool youngsters Lewis Koumas for a foul on Maxence Lacroix, and James McConnell. Maxence Lacroix suffered a hamstring injury before half-time. Second-half substitutions brought on Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola for Liverpool, while Emanuel Emegha made his debut for Chelsea.
