Liverpool FC have won the English League Cup. Coach Jürgen Klopp’s team beat Thomas Tuchel’s coached Chelsea 11-10 on penalties in a top-class final.
Against the atmospheric backdrop of 85,512 spectators at London’s Wembley Stadium, substitute Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa became a tragic hero. He missed his penalty after all 21 shooters had previously scored. Despite many high-profile opportunities, neither side scored a goal during regular time and extra time.
The League Cup is considered rather insignificant in England compared to the FA Cup. Despite this, both coaches played almost at their best and delivered a fast-paced and entertaining exchange of blows. The only problem was the exploitation of chances. Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher, who stood in for regular keeper Alisson, also made several saves, some of them spectacular. Just before the penalty shootout, Kepa came on for Mendy.
After about an hour, a Liverpool goal by ex-Schalke player Joel Matip was disallowed for offside after video evidence. Two supposed Chelsea goals from Kai Havertz and one from Romelu Lukaku were also disallowed for offside.
The game was overshadowed by the war in Ukraine. Before the game, teams and spectators expressed their solidarity with the country. Russian Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who is said to be close to Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin, gave up control of the London football club on Saturday in view of the threat of sanctions. (dpa)