Liverpool are the second finalists in the Carabao Cup. The Reds moved into contention for the trophy after drawing 1-1 away to Fulham in the second leg of the semi-final stage of the competition. The first match at "Anfield" ended with a 2:1 win for the Merseysiders.
At "Craven Cottage", the visitors started the match more aggressively, but the home side hit back with Joao Palinha's miscue and a dangerous Antonee Robinson cross that was cleared by Reds goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. However, the Cottagers concieved in the 11th minute when Luis Diaz fought off an opponent in the air following a wonderful long pass from Jarell Quansah and beat Fulham keeper Bernd Leno to make it 1-0. Until the end of the half, Jurgen Klopp's players controlled the events on the field and did not allow dangerous situations in front of Kelleher.
After the break, Darwin Nunes' shot went dangerously close to Leno's goal. Marco Silva's men equalized through Issa Diop, who latched onto a pass from substitute and ex-Liverpool player Harry Wilson. Good minutes followed for the hosts, but to no avail, and thus the visitors booked their ticket to "Wembley".
In the final, they will meet a well-known opponent - Chelsea, who eliminated Middlesbrough after a crushing 6:1 in the second leg at "Stamford Bridge". The match between Liverpool and Chelsea will be a repeat of the 2022 final, when the Merseysiders triumphed on penalties. The Reds hold the record with 9 trophies, one more than Manchester City, while Chelsea have 5 cups. The match at "Wembley" is on February 25. /BGNES
