Penalty Shootout Ends at 6-5 as Liverpool Eliminate Chelsea in League Cup
Xabi Alonso's side drops out of the competition after a 1-1 draw at Anfield, extending his winless record at the venue as a manager.
By Julia Novak ·
Liverpool fans at Anfield secured a place in the English League Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday after surviving a penalty shootout against Chelsea. The match concluded with a score of 6-5 in the shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation time. This victory allows the hosts to advance in the competition while the visitors exit the tournament.
The first key factor in the result was the balance of penalties scored before the final kicks. Chelsea's Morgan Rogers struck a 40th-minute penalty to put his team ahead. Liverpool responded three minutes later when Cody Gakpo converted a penalty of his own. Both goals came from the spot, setting the stage for the extended session that followed.
The second key element was the sequence of errors and saves during the shootout. Chelsea's Valentin Barco hit the post, and Liverpool's Kostas Tsimikas blasted over. Ryan Gravenberch was denied by Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders. However, Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili saved Emmanuel Emeha's kick to keep the match alive. Joe Gomez then scored for Liverpool, and Wesley Fofana missed his kick, sending it into the Kop.
The third key point involves the managerial history and squad changes. This was the third defeat for Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso in his three visits to Anfield as a manager. His previous losses occurred with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024 and Real Madrid in 2025. Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola made seven changes to his lineup compared to the 2-0 win against Brighton. Alonso made only four changes from the side that lost 2-0 to Tottenham on Saturday.
Context from the managers highlights their differing priorities for the season. Iraola noted that three consecutive home wins are important, especially as Liverpool prepares to face Arsenal on Sunday. He also confirmed that Liverpool will face his former club, Bournemouth, in the last eight. Alonso stated that the Premier League is the main focus and that reaching penalties often feels harsh for the losing side. He added that Chelsea was showing a good level of play.
This result continues a trend for Liverpool's new management. Both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot reached the League Cup final in their debut campaigns at the club. Iraola is on track to follow this path with the 10-time winners of the competition. The match served as a reunion of childhood friends Iraola and Alonso, with the Liverpool manager taking the bragging rights in the last-16 tie.
