By Emmanuel Buah

Liverpool booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after defeating Chelsea 6–5 on penalties following a 1–1 draw at Anfield on Wednesday night.

The fourth-round clash delivered late first-half goals, crucial saves and a dramatic shootout that ended Chelsea’s hopes of winning the competition this season.

Penalties Decide a Closely Contested Match

Chelsea broke the deadlock in the 40th minute when Morgan Rogers converted from the penalty spot after Ryan Gravenberch fouled Moisés Caicedo inside the Liverpool penalty area.

Liverpool responded almost immediately. Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana handled the ball during a corner, giving the hosts a penalty of their own. Cody Gakpo stepped up in the 43rd minute and calmly converted to restore parity.

Both teams created opportunities after the break, but neither could find the decisive goal. Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders produced important saves, while Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili denied Chelsea chances to take the lead.

With the score still 1–1 after 90 minutes, the tie proceeded directly to penalties.

Fofana's Miss Seals Chelsea's Fate

The shootout became a test of nerve as both sides converted several attempts and missed others.

Liverpool eventually prevailed 6–5. Joe Gomez scored for the Reds before Fofana sent Chelsea's final penalty over the crossbar, confirming Liverpool's progression to the last eight.

The result continued Liverpool's remarkable record in penalty shootouts against Chelsea, extending their run of victories in all five of their previous shootouts against the London club.

Liverpool Face Bournemouth in the Quarter-Finals

Liverpool will now welcome Bournemouth to Anfield in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, scheduled for the week commencing 14 December 2026.

For Chelsea, the defeat represents another frustrating cup exit against a familiar rival. The Blues must now turn their attention to the Premier League, where they are scheduled to host Manchester United on Saturday, 31 October.

Liverpool's victory keeps their hopes of lifting the Carabao Cup alive, while Chelsea are left to reflect on a match in which they came close but could not hold their nerve when it mattered most.

Final score: Liverpool 1–1 Chelsea
Penalty shootout: Liverpool win 6–5
Competition: Carabao Cup, Fourth Round
Venue: Anfield, Liverpool
Liverpool's quarter-final opponent: Bournemouth

Source: Liverpool FC, Chelsea FC and Sky Sports match reports.