February 25, (THEWILL) – Liverpool clinched the 2023/2024 Carabao Cup on Sunday, with a dramatic 118th-minute winner from captain Virgil van Dijk to beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley Stadium. Van Dijk’s late header secured Liverpool’s first trophy of a potential quadruple in manager Jurgen Klopp’s final season with the club.
Chelsea had dominated the opening stages, with a stunning save from Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher denying Cole Palmer. Liverpool grew into the game after Chelsea’s Ryan Gravenberch went off injured, with Jurgen Klopp’s decision to move Conor Bradley into midfield proving inspiring. Cody Gakpo hit the post for Liverpool before half-time.
Liverpool’s ascendancy continued after the break, with Van Dijk having a goal ruled out by VAR for offside despite Liverpool’s protests. Chelsea rallied late on, with Conor Gallagher going close before the game went to extra time goalless despite 31 shots at goal.
Chances continued in extra time before Van Dijk finally broke the deadlock, heading in from a 118th-minute Kostas Tsimikas corner to spark jubilant celebrations from Liverpool’s players and fans. The trophy is the first of potentially four this season for Liverpool in an emotional finale under Klopp.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
