Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has described the Carabao Cup as the club's "least important" priority of the season after his side suffered a narrow defeat at Anfield. The Blues were eliminated by Liverpool on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw in the fourth round of the competition.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has admitted that Bournemouth was the one opponent he desperately hoped to avoid in the Carabao Cup quarter-final draw. Despite his reservations, the Spaniard is now set for an emotional reunion with his former club after the Reds successfully navigated a tense fourth-round clash against Chelsea.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola has lauded the bravery of his teenage stars following a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Chelsea at Anfield. The Reds progressed to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, with several academy graduates playing pivotal roles.
Liverpool will host Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, while holders Manchester City take on League One side Bradford City. Fleetwood Town, who knocked Arsenal out on penalties, will welcome Everton or Newcastle United, and Crystal Palace face Sunderland in an all-Premier League tie, with all four games set for the week commencing December 14.
Joe Gomez was the unlikely hero as Liverpool edged past Xabi Alonso's Chelsea 6-5 on penalties to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals following a 1-1 draw at Anfield.
Chelsea exited the Carabao Cup following a dramatic 6-5 penalty shootout loss to Liverpool at Anfield. Despite Morgan Rogers converting from the spot in normal time, Wesley Fofana's missed penalty proved costly in a tense fourth-round encounter.
Leganes B
