Liverpool booked their place in the EFL Cup quarter-finals after overcoming Chelsea in a tense penalty shootout at Anfield. After 90 minutes finished 1–1, the Reds held their nerve to progress with a 6–5 victory on penalties, surviving a difficult contest against a Chelsea side determined to spoil the homecoming of former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso.
Andoni Iraola made several changes to his starting line-up, handing opportunities to younger players while managing the minutes of his senior squad. The performance was not always convincing, but Liverpool showed resilience when it mattered and found a way to progress in the competition.
Liverpool have won ALL FIVE of their penalty shootouts against Chelsea:
◉ Champions League (2006/07)
◉ UEFA Super Cup (2019/20)
◉ League Cup (2021/22)
◉ FA Cup (2021/22)
◉ League Cup (2026/27)
— Squawka (@Squawka) October 28, 2026
The Starting Eleven
Substitutes Used
First Half
Liverpool began with an experimental line-up, with Iraola trusting Gravenberch, Nyoni and McConnell to provide the energy and control in midfield. Ngumoha and Koumas offered attacking options from the flanks, while Gakpo was allowed to lead the line.
The opening stages were competitive, with neither side managing to establish a clear advantage. Liverpool enjoyed slightly more possession, but Chelsea matched them for intensity and looked capable of creating problems when they moved forward. The Reds had moments of promise, although their attacking play lacked the consistency needed to take control of the contest.
Mamardashvili was called upon to remain alert, while Araújo provided physicality and defensive commitment at the back. The young midfielders worked hard, but the match highlighted the challenge of combining inexperienced players with a demanding knockout fixture.
The breakthrough arrived in the 40th minute when Chelsea were awarded a penalty. Morgan Rogers converted from the spot to put the visitors 1–0 ahead, leaving Liverpool with little time to respond before the interval.
Fortunately, the Reds were handed an opportunity of their own just three minutes later. Cody Gakpo converted a penalty in the 43rd minute to restore parity, ensuring Liverpool went into half-time level at 1–1.
It was a significant response, preventing Chelsea from taking a lead into the break and giving Iraola the chance to make changes to influence the second half.
Second Half
Iraola acted in the 58th minute, introducing Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola for McConnell and Koumas. The double substitution added greater attacking quality and pace, giving Liverpool more options when attempting to break through Chelsea’s defensive structure.
The game remained closely contested, with both sides creating opportunities but neither able to find the decisive goal. The statistics reflected the balance of the encounter: Liverpool registered 10 shots to Chelsea’s 11, with both teams managing four efforts on target. Neither side could establish sustained superiority.
Liverpool’s defence remained important as the match progressed. Araújo was strong in his challenges, while Gomez and Tsimikas worked to contain Chelsea’s attacking threats. Mamardashvili also produced an assured performance, making important contributions when called upon and keeping Liverpool in contention.
Van Dijk was replaced by Jérémy Jacquet in the 71st minute, with the change providing further minutes for the elite defender. Alexis Mac Allister and Alexander Isak were introduced in the 81st minute for Nyoni and Ngumoha respectively, giving Liverpool additional experience and attacking options for the closing stages.
Despite the changes, neither side could find a winner before the end of normal time. Liverpool had shown greater attacking intent in spells, but Chelsea remained difficult to break down. The contest therefore went to penalties, where composure and execution would determine which team progressed.
The shootout proved decisive, with Liverpool emerging victorious by a 6–5 tally. Mamardashvili’s contribution throughout the evening was important, and the Reds ultimately did enough to keep their cup campaign alive.
LIVERPOOL KNOCK CHELSEA OUT AFTER A CRAZY PENALTY SHOOTOUT 🤯 pic.twitter.com/D9sDoyscqi
This was not Liverpool’s most fluent performance, but knockout football is ultimately about finding a way through. Iraola rotated his squad, gave opportunities to younger players and still managed to guide the Reds into the quarter-finals against a difficult Chelsea side.
The opening goal from the penalty spot threatened to put Liverpool under pressure, but Gakpo’s quick response ensured the sides went into half-time level. From there, the contest remained tight, with both teams struggling to find the decisive breakthrough.
Mamardashvili deserves considerable credit for his assured display, while Araújo again demonstrated his physical strength and defensive quality. Nyoni showed encouraging signs as he grew into the game, and the second-half introductions of Wirtz and Barcola gave Liverpool more attacking impetus.
There are lessons to take from the performance, particularly regarding midfield control and the need to create more clear-cut chances. However, with several changes made to the starting line-up, progressing was the priority, and Liverpool achieved that objective.
Steven Smith’s pre-match prediction was Liverpool 3–2 Chelsea, but the match finished 1–1 before the Reds progressed 6–5 on penalties. The scoreline may not have matched the prediction, but Liverpool are through to the quarter-finals, and that is what matters most on a cup night at Anfield.
Steven Smith’s Pre-Match Prediction: