Liverpool ensured that Jurgen Klopp’s final season will end with silverware after Virgil Van Dijk’s extra-time goal gave them a 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
A frenetic final, which saw VAR deny goals for both sides, was scoreless in 90 minutes and eventually decided deep in extra-time by Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk’s glancing header.
Liverpool entered the final with 10 first-team players, including Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez, missing through injury but roared on by their raucous supporters, they competed bravely to see off Chelsea.
The win keeps alive Liverpool’s hopes of an unlikely quadruple, who remain in the hunt for the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup.
Van Dijk’s powerful header from a Robertson free-kick at the hour-mark cued frantic celebrations in the red end of Wembley, but the goal was ruled out after a prolonged VAR check saw Wataru Endo adjudged offside.
The reprieve appeared to strengthen Chelsea’s resolve, who went close to taking the lead in the 77th minute, after Connor Gallagher’s shot from Palmer’s pass hit the far post.
The winner eventually came through Van Dijk, whose powerful header from a corner deep in extra-time secured glory for Liverpool.
