Liverpool players sang “You’ll Never Walk Alone” together long after the final whistle at Wembley in February 2024. Virgil van Dijk had just given them something to celebrate.
The Reds captain rose highest in the 118th minute of extra time, meeting Kostas Tsimikas’ corner with a header that flew beyond Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. It settled a tense, goalless contest that had gone the distance.
UK ONLY
That victory secured a record-extending 10th League Cup title for Liverpool, achieved despite Jurgen Klopp naming a youthful side stripped of Mohamed Salah, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota through injury.
Ryan Gravenberch was also forced off on a stretcher in the first half after a challenge from Moises Caicedo.
Van Dijk’s goal arrived after his earlier header had been ruled out for offside in the build-up, and after Chelsea had chances of their own through Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku and Conor Gallagher, all denied by Caoimhin Kelleher or the woodwork.
More than two years on, and with considerable change at Anfield since, Liverpool are preparing to defend their crown again, and the next step in that defence is now in sight.
Arne Slot guided the club to the 2025 Carabao Cup final and a Premier League title in his first season, but was sacked in May after Liverpool finished fifth the following campaign.
Andoni Iraola is now set to lead the Reds into the new season in the competition.
The draw for the third round of the 2026-27 Carabao Cup will be held on Wednesday night. The Reds are set to enter the competition at this stage, with their tie scheduled for the week commencing September 14.
Liverpool will learn their opponents once the draw takes place, which will follow the second-round meeting between Preston North End and Everton.
Iraola’s side, like the other English clubs competing in Europe this season, have been given a bye through the opening two rounds.
Their entry into round three brings them into direct competition with sides who have already navigated two knockout ties to reach this stage.
A win in round three would move Liverpool a step closer to defending the trophy they lifted so dramatically against Chelsea, and to extending their record as the competition’s most successful club.
Want to get the latest Liverpool news direct to your phone? Join our WhatsApp community by clicking here.