Matchday LIVE: Liverpool beat Chelsea in wild Carabao Cup final, Barcelona crush Athletic Club 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">SCENES!!! 🤯 Kepa Arrizabalaga misses the 22nd penalty after being subbed on for the shoot-out! 😨 <a href="https://t.co/yLIOIQWdUD">pic.twitter.com/yLIOIQWdUD</a>— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/1498017381532250116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">KEPA MISSED IT 🤯 LIVERPOOL ARE CHAMPIONS 🏆 <a href="https://t.co/zCcEccrgnQ">pic.twitter.com/zCcEccrgnQ</a>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1498017605646315522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Watch: Kepa misses decisive penalty for Chelsea

Here is that earlier miss from Mason Mount. Should he have done better here?<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">MASON MOUNT ANOTHER MISS 🤯 <a href="https://t.co/0VfFPJnE6c">pic.twitter.com/0VfFPJnE6c</a>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1497989647443513344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Beating the offside trap 🙂 Striking the upright 🙃 Mason Mount comes so, so close to putting Chelsea in front! 👀 <a href="https://t.co/xNgWI7roYi">pic.twitter.com/xNgWI7roYi</a>— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/1497989857867616258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Watch: Mason Mount hits the post

That is quite simply outstanding from Edouard Mendy!The Chelsea goalkeeper parries Naby Keita's effort from the edge of the box straight to Sadio Mane, who looks certain to score. But Mendy somehow manages to deflect his shot from point-blank range over the crossbar!<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">AMAZING DOUBLE SAVE!! Take a bow Mendy 👏 <a href="https://t.co/X9FIIj8gtN">pic.twitter.com/X9FIIj8gtN</a>— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/1497980802247933954?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">EDOUARD MENDY IS NOT HUMAN 🤯 One of the best double saves you'll ever see. <a href="https://t.co/ha6No0lxje">pic.twitter.com/ha6No0lxje</a>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1497980941221830656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Watch: Mendy's amazing double save

Here is that golden chance for Christian Pulisic that arrived after just six minutes.Great save or bad miss? I'll let you decide!<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🗣 "What a chance! Havertz has started this game so well!" A huge chance for Chelsea in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CarabaoCupFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CarabaoCupFinal</a> 🔵 <a href="https://t.co/KmSGYv5qri">pic.twitter.com/KmSGYv5qri</a>— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/1497976109778059271?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HOW DID PULISIC MISS?! 🤯 What an opportunity to give Chelsea an early 1-0 lead in the Carabao Cup final <a href="https://t.co/hflgj14BaM">pic.twitter.com/hflgj14BaM</a>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1497975102016688134?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Watch: Pulisic's early miss

The American failed to convert from close range

We have just seen a shot of a distraught Thiago in tears over on the Liverpool dugout.The Spain midfielder was a late withdrawal through injury and needs to be comforted by team-mate Alisson as the game begins..

Watch: Thiago in tears

Reds midfielder distraught at missing game through injury

That's all from GOAL's matchday blog for today - and what a day it was.Until next time, farewell!

Goodbye!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It’s an honour to lift this trophy 10 years on. Special shout out to every young player that has played along the way, your a credit to this club ❤️ <a href="https://t.co/XNrz1YTv83">pic.twitter.com/XNrz1YTv83</a>— Jordan Henderson (@JHenderson) <a href="https://twitter.com/JHenderson/status/1498053186556514309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The captain speaks

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ousmane Dembele scores his first league goal for nine months. Barcelona is a happy place to be right now 😍 <a href="https://t.co/ccKhDtW14Z">pic.twitter.com/ccKhDtW14Z</a>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1498057955635306498?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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All smiles

Here is a round-up of the results featured on our matchday blog today:West Ham 1-0 WolvesChelsea 0-0 Liverpool (Liverpool win 10-11 on penalties)Augsburg 1-1 DortmundLazio 1-2 NapoliBarcelona 4-0 Athletic Club

Scores on the doors

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">18 - Napoli have gained the most points (18 in 8 games) in Serie A since the start of 2022. Rythm.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LazioNapoli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LazioNapoli</a>— OptaPaolo (@OptaPaolo) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaPaolo/status/1498055718292709376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Hitting form at just the right time

Well, that was exciting! A flurry of late goals capping off another thrilling day of football across Europe.Barcelona run out comfortable winners in the end to move up to fourth place in La Liga ahead of Athletic Madrid on goal difference.

FT: Barcelona 4-0 Athletic Club

It's a rout!Ousmane Dembele sets up another as his cross from the right is swept home from close range by Memphis Depay in the final minute of stoppage-time!

Goal! Barcelona 4-0 Athletic Club

Game. Set. Match.Ousmane Demeble, scorer of Barca's second goal, turns provider this time as he crosses from the right for Luuk de Jong to flick a header into the corner.

Goal! Barcelona 3-0 Athletic Club

And there goes the final whistle! Luiz's goal was nearly the last kick of the game!Napoli win it at the last to go top of the table on goal difference ahead of Milan. Absolute scenes at the Stadio Olimpico!<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⏱ 94’ | ABBIAMO VINTO 💪<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LazioNapoli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LazioNapoli</a> 1-2 💙 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ForzaNapoliSempre?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ForzaNapoliSempre</a> <a href="https://t.co/CQec9XOQH9">pic.twitter.com/CQec9XOQH9</a>— Official SSC Napoli (@sscnapoli) <a href="https://twitter.com/sscnapoli/status/1498052387482873867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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FT: Lazio 1-2 Napoli

Wow wow wow! Napoli have won it in the final minute of stoppage-time!Insigne lats the ball off to Fabian Luiz who curls a left-footed effort perfectly around the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner.Luiz sprints over to the travelling Napoli fans while the substitutes pour into the pitch in celebration.That could have huge ramifications for the title race. Napoli going top as it stands!

Goal Lazio 1-2 Napoli

Oh wow! What a strike that is from Pedro!A free-kick from the left is cleared only as far as the former Barcelona man who fires in a sweetly struck volley that Ospina cannot keep out.We are all square with just one minute of normal time to go!

Goal! Lazio 1-1 Napoli

Ousmane Dembele doubles Barcelona's lead!Frenkie De Jong sprays the ball out to the Frenchman on the left, he drives into the area and blasts the ball left-footed into the roof of the net from a tight angle!It's the former Borussia Dortmund forward's first La Liga goal since May - is it enough to seal the points for Xavi's side?

Goal! Barcelona 2-0 Athletic Club

Lorenzo Insigne thinks he has doubled Napoli's advantage - but it is ruled out for offside following a VAR check! It is the correct decision, Insigne had just overstepped beyond the last man.A minor skuffle ensues, with Stefan Radu shown a yellow card for his part in the melee.

VAR rescues Lazio!

Breakthrough in Rome and it's the skipper Lorenzo Insigne who had done it for Napoli!It's a wonderful, first-time strike from the edge of the box that bends right into the bottom corner.How important could that be for Napoli's title challenge? They are going top of Serie A as it stands!

Goal! Lazio 0-1 Napoli

The day began with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/thiago-in-tears-on-bench-after-liverpool-midfielder-ruled-out-of-/blt0b77479e5e58a220">tears for the injured Thiago Alcantara,</a>&nbsp;but there were only smiles at the end for Liverpool.The Carabao Cup trophy used to be a permanent fixture at Anfield, and it is back in the Reds’ possession once more.The first leg of a potential quadruple is in the bag, for Jurgen Klopp and his team.They and their fans went through hell to get there, mind. This will go down as one of the most incredible football matches - never mind finals - in living memory.<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/liverpool-quadruple-bid-perfect-start-carabao-cup-victory/blt0235b084005b3574" target="_blank">Read the rest from GOAL's Liverpool correspondent Neil Jones.</a>

One down, three to go?

And that's the half. Aubamayang's goal is the difference at the break!<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">HALFTIME! 1️⃣ BARÇA (<a href="https://twitter.com/Auba?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Auba</a>, 37') 0️⃣ Athletic Club<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aAthletic?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BarçaAthletic</a> <a href="https://t.co/BcZybgTW93">pic.twitter.com/BcZybgTW93</a>— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1498038343170412545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Half-time: Barcelona 1-0 Athletic Club

After failing to score in his first three appearances, Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang now his five goals in his last two-and-a-half games for Barcelona.The former Arsenal man is hitting his stride!<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Another goal for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He's flying at Barcelona 🦇 <a href="https://t.co/0BZNYgslOc">pic.twitter.com/0BZNYgslOc</a>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1498037887992008706?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Auba hotting up

The half-time whistle goes in Rome and Lazio and Napoli cannot be separated, despite plenty of chances for either side.

Half-time: Lazio 0-0 Napoli 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang gives Barcelona the lead!Gerard Pique's header from a corner smacks off the bar, but Aubameyang is alert to volley the rebound into the back of the net!<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">GOOOOOOOAL BARÇAAAAAA! <a href="https://twitter.com/Auba?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AUBA</a> VOLLEYS IN FROM INSIDE THE BOX! 1-0! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BAR%C3%87AATHLETIC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BARÇAATHLETIC</a> <a href="https://t.co/D0xDzodiiJ">pic.twitter.com/D0xDzodiiJ</a>— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/1498034911869026307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Goal for Barcelona! ⚽

Vigil van Dijk is one focused guy. The defender is obviously happy with the win but also expressed his frustration at Liverpool's disallowed goal, where he was penalised despite not actually touching the ball.&nbsp;"Very special. There was a lot of hard work, what we expected before the game," he told <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyFootball" target="_self">Sky Sports</a>. "A lot of calm nerves. It was an intense game and offside goals were also a thing and that rule of just keeping playing on until whenever is annoying."It is something we have to consider taking out for next season. Unnecessary metres and challenges come from it."The penalties overall were all quite good apart from the last one."I told the ref I don’t understand. I wasn’t even participating in the moment, the ball went over my head and I did not even go for the ball. It is a game of challenges and you are allowed to block a move. I think we saw it when Manchester United played away at Burnley there was a similar thing that was also disallowed and I don’t understand it."

'I told the ref I don't understand'

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">10 - Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp has won the 10th trophy of his managerial career – five with Borussia Dortmund (Bundesliga x2, DFL-Supercup x2, DFB-Pokal) and five with Liverpool (Premier League, Champions League, Super Cup, Club World Cup and League Cup). Juggernaut. <a href="https://t.co/npBL9uuNSG">pic.twitter.com/npBL9uuNSG</a>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1498025458058899460?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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10th trophy for Jurgen

Liverpool boss jurgen Klopp has been speaking about his decision to stick with young Caoimhin Kelleher for the Carabao Cup final ahead of Alisson."Even in professional football there should be space for some sentiment," he told <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyFootball/status/1498025452073541638" target="_self">Sky Sports</a>. "Caoimhin Kelleher is a young boy, plays in all the competition, what do I do? I am two things, a professional manager and a human being and the human being won. He deserves it."At the training centre we have a wall that all goalkeepers are on who won something and Caoimhin can go on it - that's how it should be - absolutely great."I am happy for the people to celebrate something like this. Chelsea are incredibly strong, we matched each other."That is the start, we are not silly. We need to have luck - we had luck, that could have been 5-5."

'The human being won'

Away from the Liverpool celebrations there are some signficant matches going on elsewhere across Europe:In Germany, Borussia Dortmund could only draw 1-1 at Augsburg, meaning they are now eight points behind leaders Bayern Munich.In Italy, third-placed Napoli have just kicked-off against seventh-placed Lazio and over in Spain Barcelona have just got under way against Athletic Bilbao.We will bring you updates from those games alongside all the reaction from Wembley!

Meanwhile....

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The last 21 days have been very kind to Sadio Mane 🤩 <a href="https://t.co/9gb5rGJMD9">pic.twitter.com/9gb5rGJMD9</a>— GOAL (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1498021921702748164?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Double up for Sadio 🏆 🏆

Liverpool's Caoimhin Kelleher has been speaking about his match-winning penalty.It’s a mad one," he told Sky Sports. "I got close to a few when it came down to me I didn’t even think I had scored the winning penalty. I’d forgotten I’d got the winning one. All the lads were class, I was just happy to score."It was more hit and hope. I got close to a few but all the penalties were very high quality thankfully we were able to win."I thought we had scored when we got the disallowed goal but they had a few disallowed so I think a draw was a fair result overall."He [Jurgen Klopp] just said 'well done for scoring the winning penalty, there's a wall with all the goalkeepers on who have won cups so now you can go on that.'"

'It was hit and hope'

The Liverpool players make the famous walk up the Wembley steps before Jordan Henderson lifts the trophy aloft to huge cheers from the Reds supporters at one end of the stadium!

Liverpool - Carabao Cup winners 2022!

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">11-10 - Liverpool's 11-10 penalty shootout win over Chelsea is the highest scoring penalty shootout between two English top-flight teams. Tense. <a href="https://t.co/oeny2QKRhl">pic.twitter.com/oeny2QKRhl</a>— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/1498018710124122119?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Epic

An incredible match has an incredible finale!You'll Never Walk Alone rings around Wembley as Liverpool celebrate an epic victory, their ninth League Cup success.The gamble to bring on Kepa did not work for Chelsea, in a way they probably never expected.

What a moment!

Over the bar!!LIVERPOOL WIN THE CARABAO CUP!!!

Kepa misses!!

Kelleher scores!

All 20 outfield players scored! Now the goalkeepers!

Chalobah scores!

Konate scores!

Thiago Silva scores!

Elliott scores!

Just! Kelleher got a big hand to it!

Werner scores!

Robertson scores!

Kante scores!

Origi scores!

Rudiger scores!

Jota scores!

Jorginho scores!

Salah scores!

Kelleher goes the right way but can't get there!

James scores!

Alexander-Arnold scores!

Havertz scores!

Van Dijk scores!

Lukaku scores!

Lovely dink straight down the middle!

Fabinho scores!

Just beats Kelleher's dive into the bottom corner!

Alonso scores!

Milner scores!

Liverpool win the toss and will take the first penalty in front of their own supporters.Here we go!!

Liverpool to go first

Full time: Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool (AET)

The Spaniard comes on for Mendy, who was been fantastic this afternoon, with penalties in mind.Still a minute to go though!

Kepa IS coming on!

Kepa Arrizabalaga has his gloves on over on the subs bench - are Chelsea ready to bring on their penalty shootout specialist??

Kepa coming on?

The assistants have been busy today. Kai Havertz collects Romelu Lukaku's cross from the left and buries the ball into the corner - but the flag goes up! No need for VAR to check this one.

Goal disallowed for offside AGAIN!

The second half of extra-time is under way.Chelsea have brought Jorginho on for Kovacic - planning for penalties?

Second half under way

And we STILL cannot separate these teams.Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kai Havertz clash shortly before the whistle which sparks a bit of pushing and shoving between the two sets of players.Havertz and Alexander-Arnold are booked for their troubles.

Half-time in extra-time

How close is this?!<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🤔🤔🤔 <a href="https://t.co/sC8hS737kv">pic.twitter.com/sC8hS737kv</a>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1498004327457345537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Does this look offside to you?

...but Romelu Lukaku is ruled offside!VAR has a look and it is tight, but it rules that the assistant made the correct call.

The ball is in the net...

Another change for Liverpool as Divock Origi - scorer of so many crucial goals for the Reds over the years - replaces Luis Diaz.

Origi on for Liverpool

Here we go with extra-time.Liverpool have made another change, with Ibrahima Konate coming on for Joel Matip.

Extra-time begins

Well, there's 0-0s and then there's 0-0s. That was a simply wonderous 90 minutes, with a combination of poor finishing, great goalkeeping, bad luck and VAR keeping it goalless.Into extra-time we go!

Full time: Chelsea 0-0 Liverpool

Now it is Chelsea's turn to nearly snatch it! Marcos Alonso does well to get the ball in from the left, Romelu Lukaku flicks towards goal but Caoimhin Kelleher blocks with his feet!

Good stop Kelleher!

There nearly was some late drama!Virgil van Dijk meets a corner from the right but the Chelsea goalkeeper palms the header away at full stretch!

Great save Mendy again!

SIX minutes to be added on

Now it is Liverpool's turn to make changes as Diogo Jota, Harvey Elliott and James Milner replace Naby Keita, Jordan Henderson and Sadio Mane.Mane is NOT happy as he makes his way off the pitch, snatching his jacket from one of the Liverpool coaches before sitting down on the bench.

Triple sub for Liverpool

Time for a change as Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner replace Mason Mount and Christian Pulisic.

Subs for Chelsea

No! Timo Werner is ruled offside as he crosses for Kai Havertz to head home!How is this game still 0-0!

Goal is it?!

It doesn't count! Referee Stuart Atwell deems Virgil van Dijk, who was in an offside position, was interfering with play when the free-kick was played in as he held off Reece James, which freed up Sadio Mane.It remains goalless!

No goal!

Wait - it is going to be looked at by VAR!

VAR check!

Breakthrough!A free-kick is played in from the right towards Sadio Mane at the far post, and his header back across goal is nodded home by Joel Matip!

Goal for Liverpool!

Take a bow Thiago Silva!A terrible clearance from Mendy puts Chelsea in trouble as Mohamed Salah is played clean through on goal. He beats Mendy with a dinked finish, but Silva gets back to clear off the line and away from danger.Superb defending!

Off the line!

Cesar Azpilcueta is struggling here and it looks like he cannot continue.Reece James, who has been sidelined since December with a hamstring injury, is about to come on.

Injury for Chelsea

Oh my it's ANOTHER missed chance for Chelsea!It is Mason Mount again too as he beats the offside trap to run on to Christian Pulisic's pass, but his sliderule finish smacks off the inside of the post!Will Chelsea live to regret all these missed opportunities?

Off the post!

Kick-off ⚽

It is half-time in Bundesliga as well, with second-placed Borussia Dortmund in front against Augsburg courtesy of Thorgan Hazard's strike, his sixth of the season.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">TOTO!!! <a href="https://t.co/2zknq5nxMA">pic.twitter.com/2zknq5nxMA</a>— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlackYellow/status/1497982080545869828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, in Germany

The half-time whistle goes. What a frantic 45 minutes that was.Chelsea missed two golden chances at either end of the half, while Liverpool had a 20 minute spell in the middle where they were on top.The Blues needed Edouard Mendy to thank to keep it goalless, with Sadio Mane denied by a sensational save from close range.All to play for in the second 45!

Half-time

Oh dear Mason Mount! That is yet another wonderful chance for Chelsea.Kai Havertz is the creator again as his dinked ball finds the onrushing Mount, whose first-time volley from six yards out goes just wide.Replays showed he was well onside, too.

What a chance!

Chelsea have been under intense pressure for the last 25 minutes, but out of nowhere they go close at the other end!It's from an unlikely source too, captain Cesar Azplicueta with a left-footed effort from just outside the area that fizzes over the bar.Half-time is fast approaching - can either side make the breakthrough before the break?

Close!

Sadio Mane is fouled by Mason Mount for a Liverpool free-kick 25 yards out.It looks in prime Mohamed Salah territory.....but the Reds get it all wrong! They perhaps tried to be a bit too clever with the set up and Egyptian ends up slicing the ball well wide.

Free-kick Liverpool

We have had Thiago Alcantara suffer an injury, now it's Thiago Silva as the Chelsea defender goes down with what looks like a shoulder injury. There's relief for the Blues though as the Brazilian looks as though he is ok to carry on.

Thiago Silva down

What a stop CaoimhIn Kelleher! Kai Havertz plays the ball across from the right towards the unmarked Christian Pulisic, but his effort from close range is parried away by the young Ireland goalkeeper.It's been a frantic opening at Wembley!

Great save!

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson gets the game started!

Kick-off! ⚽

Before we get under way there is a round of applause in support of Ukraine. Both sets of players and fans join in, with several supporters waving Ukraine flags in the crowd.A touching tribute.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Ahead of kick-off of the Carabao Cup final, Chelsea and Liverpool along with everyone in Wembley take a moment to stand in solidarity with Ukraine. <a href="https://t.co/9MeuUIH23j">pic.twitter.com/9MeuUIH23j</a>— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNFC/status/1497974756120817664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Football Stands together

It's a glorious late winter's afternoon at Wembley, with blue sky up ahead and the setting sun still beaming across part of the stadium as the players make their way onto the famous turf.

Here come the teams!

Some breaking injury news - Liverpool midfielder Thiago picked up an injury in the warm-up and has been replaced in the starting XI by Naby Keita.Thiago has been in great form recently and has developed a fine partnership with Fabinho in the heart of the Reds midfield. How significant could that be?<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Thiago has got injured during the warm-up. Naby Keita starts for the Reds instead.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CarabaoCupFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CarabaoCupFinal</a> <a href="https://t.co/sAwdYKTScA">https://t.co/sAwdYKTScA</a>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1497969591284211713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Injury blow for Liverpool!

West Ham captain Declan Rice was full of praise for Tomas Soucek after the Czech Republic midfielder's close-range finish secured the points for the Hammers against Wolves."I am delighted for him," Rice told Sky Sports. "He has played so many games and minutes, he has been outstanding for us, his goals and defensive ability, he is great to play alongside. "Today was him back to his best, working for the team and scoring a great goal."

Soucek has been outstanding - Rice

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Edging closer to kick-off ⏳ What are your <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CarabaoCupFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CarabaoCupFinal</a> score predictions, Reds? 🤔 <a href="https://t.co/i9AqsWYLMV">pic.twitter.com/i9AqsWYLMV</a>— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1497961688867295238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Half-an-hour to kick-off! ⏳

West Ham hold on for the three points! Tomas Soucek scored on his birthday to secure victory for the Hammers, keeping them in the hunt for a top-four finish.<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Three points: ✅ COME ON YOU IRONS!!! ⚒<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WHUWOL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WHUWOL</a> <a href="https://t.co/EeV768DGDz">pic.twitter.com/EeV768DGDz</a>— West Ham United (@WestHam) <a href="https://twitter.com/WestHam/status/1497963610269786121?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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FT: West Ham 1-0 Wolves

Less than 10 minutes to play between West Ham and Wolves, with the Hammers still leading 1-0. Wolves have taken things up a gear however and have begun to dominate the game, but the equaliser has thus far eluded them.

West Ham still lead, Wolves turn up pressure

"I'm looking forward to it a lot, it's a great occasion, the sun is out and we're playing against fantastic opponents," Van Dijk told Sky Sports."It's going to be tough, but we'll give our all and hopefully we'll be at the right end [of the result]."We take everything game by game, and we'll do that today, but obviously it's a little bit special because there's a trophy on the line. "We're feeling good, we have to be confident, we have to be brave and we have to be ready to suffer. There will be moments when Chelsea will have good spells because they are a good side, but we are prepared for that. We'll see how it goes."

Van Dijk: Liverpool have to be brave 🗣

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/PetrCech?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PetrCech</a>'s advice for the players today<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/EFL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#EFL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CarabaoCupFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CarabaoCupFinal</a> <a href="https://t.co/3NXBaMTm4w">pic.twitter.com/3NXBaMTm4w</a>— Carabao Cup (@Carabao_Cup) <a href="https://twitter.com/Carabao_Cup/status/1497952372324241411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Cech tells Chelsea to 'focus on football'

Here we go!CHELSEA XI<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Here’s your Chelsea team news for today’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CarabaoCupFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CarabaoCupFinal</a>! 🔵<a href="https://twitter.com/parimatchglobal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ParimatchGlobal</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CheLiv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CheLiv</a> <a href="https://t.co/pX3WGmrbkZ">pic.twitter.com/pX3WGmrbkZ</a>— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChelseaFC/status/1497957249939038208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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LIVERPOOL XI<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Here’s our line-up for the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CarabaoCupFinal?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CarabaoCupFinal</a> 🏆🔴— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/1497953456446918658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2022</a></blockquote>
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What do we make of that? GAME ON!

Cup final teams are in 👇

Romelu Lukaku has been left on the bench for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool. The Chelsea striker has been out of favour recently and will have to wait for a chance to impress in the Wembley decider. Edouard Mendy has also been given the nod ahead of Kepa.<a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/lukaku-left-out-of-chelsea-s-starting-line-up-for-carabao/blt3fd3d24f1c7fc275" target="_blank">Full story here</a>

Lukaku left out of Chelsea final XI ❌

Tomas Soucek has fired West Ham in front! A birthday goal and it has been coming. Michail Antonion teed the midfielder up for a simple finish. It's 1-0.

GOAL! West Ham take the lead!

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