Liverpool secures victory in the Carabao Cup 2024, defeating Chelsea 1-0 to clinch the English League Cup title
Virgil van Dijk's crucial header secured Liverpool's 10th English League Cup trophy with a 1-0 win against Chelsea at Wembley on February 25. The centerback scored in the 28th minute of extra time, breaking the deadlock in a match that ended 0-0 in regulation time.
This victory marked Jurgen Klopp's eighth major silverware at Liverpool and ensured a triumphant end to his final year at the club. Van Dijk expressed pride in being part of the club and praised his teammates for the achievement.
Klopp, set to step down at the season's end, keeps Liverpool in the running for an unlikely quadruple, leading the Premier League and remaining contenders in the FA Cup and Europa League.
Chelsea's manager Mauricio Pochettino aimed for his first major English trophy but will have to wait. Klopp, on the other hand, anticipates further glory before his departure.
The match echoed their 2022 encounters, with both teams seeing goals disallowed for offside and hitting the woodwork. Chelsea had early chances, but Caoimhin Kelleher's save denied Cole Palmer. Raheem Sterling's goal was ruled out for offside.
Cody Gakpo's header before halftime left Chelsea's goalkeeper stranded but hit the post. Van Dijk's powerful header in the second half was disallowed for offside after a lengthy review. Conor Gallagher's 76th-minute attempt struck the post.
In extra time, Liverpool had better chances, but Harvey Elliott's header hit the post. The tension hinted at penalties until Van Dijk's decisive moment secured victory, potentially marking the beginning of a trophy-filled conclusion to Klopp's tenure.
