Liverpool in the League Cup final. A draw with Fulham was enough for the Reds. Now it is the final against Chelsea, as was the case two years ago.
Goal scorer 1-0: Luis Diaz.
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Two weeks after the first leg at Anfield, which Liverpool won 2-1, Fulham and the Reds met again at Craven Cottage. Jurgen Klopp was happy to have Robertson back in the team, with the Scot missing for an extended period due to a shoulder injury. But that wasn't enough for the starting lineup, so youngsters Quansah and Bradley started in the back four.
The first was the one who played a strong diagonal ball to Luis Diaz after eleven minutes. The Colombian then got ahead of Castagne and was a bit unlucky as his shot in the penalty area was slightly deflected – and Leno was beaten. Liverpool led 3-1 overall, giving the Reds more security. Fulham continued to act bravely and had their first opportunity in the match eight minutes later through Joao Balenha.
As a result, Liverpool were the better team, and Luis Diaz in particular was always notable. The top scorer scored the second goal, but Darwin was already offside (28). Shortly afterwards, Leno was able to save a shot from the left wing (31). Meanwhile, the hosts often tried from distance, but Alisson Kelleher's agent denied Jimenez and Willian (33, 36).
After restarting, it moved back and forth sometimes. Fulham are now more insistent, but have offered him space. Pereira had the best opportunity for the London team so far in the 54th minute, but Pereira hit the outside post after a mistake by Kelleher. The Reds then worked to make the decision, but Leno blocked Darwin's shot first and then shortly afterwards shot down the left flank (minutes 58 and 64).
Diop makes it sexy again
As it happened, Liverpool were punished for mistaking their chances. He found substitute Wilson Diop, running high, in the penalty area, who slotted home a central shot, ensuring another thrilling final phase. The home team became dangerous again, with Kelleher blocking a long-range shot from Wilson (80'). Liverpool had to shudder briefly again, but overall there was little that was convincing and deserved to reach the League Cup final. He will be there against Chelsea on February 25, who the Reds defeated on penalties in the 2022 final.
Before then, things continue in the FA Cup. Liverpool will play against second-tier Norwich on Sunday, while Fulham will host Newcastle on Saturday.
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