Liverpool defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the final of the English League Cup thanks to Virgil van Dijk’s only goal.

Liverpool defeated Chelsea in the English League Cup final two years ago. When the two teams met again in the first cup match of the 2023/24 English football season, coach Jurgen Klopp’s team were still the winners.

After the opening whistle, Liverpool dominated Chelsea. The first chance belonged to Luis Diaz, but this player’s shot did not trouble goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic. 

Chelsea kept their formation low, trying to close down their opponents and transition quickly when they won the ball. In the 32nd minute, Raheem Sterling punctured Liverpool’s goal in a cоunterattack. However, the referee did not recognize the win due to Nicolas Jackson’s previous offside error.

Both Chelsea and Liverpool missed many opportunities. (Photo: Getty Images)

In the second half, the match continued to be exciting. In the 65th minute, Liverpool scored with a dangerous header from Virgil van Dijk. However, after consulting VAR and reviewing the video, referee Chris Kavanagh determined that the Liverpool player was offside and decided to cancel the goal.

After this moment, Chelsea played better and created many opportunities. However, Axel Disasi, Conor Gallagher and Christopher Nkunku all failed to take advantage. Liverpool also failed to score, causing the match to go to extra time.

Chelsea could not maintain the good playing flow as at the end of the second half. After many missed opportunities, the goal came to Liverpool. In the 118th minute, Van Dijk headed accurately from Kostas Tsimikas’ corner. This was the match-winning goal, helping Liverpool win 1-0 and win the English League Cup.

Van Dijk helped Liverpool win the cup. (Photo: Getty Images)

Result: Chelsea 0-1 Liverpool

Scored

Liverpool: Van Dijk (118′)

Chelsea vs Liverpool lineup

Chelsea: Dordje Petrovic (28), Ben Chilwell (21), Levi Colwill (26), Axel Disasi (2), Malo Gusto (27), Moises Caicedo (25), Enzo Fernandez (8), Conor Gallagher (23), Raheem Sterling (7), Nicolas Jackson (15), Cole Palmer (20)

Liverpool: Caoimhin Kelleher (62), Andy Robertson (26), Virgil van Dijk (4), Ibrahima Konate (5), Conor Bradley (84), Wataru Endo (3), Harvey Elliott (19), Ryan Gravenberch (38) , Alexis Mac Allister (10), Cody Gakpo (18), Luis Diaz (7)