Liverpool secured their spot in the Carabao Cup final by holding Fulham to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage, sealing a 3-2 aggregate victory after the first leg advantage.
Luis Diaz’s early goal was equalized by Issa Diop, but Liverpool’s resilience in the second leg earned them the opportunity to face Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea at Wembley on February 25.
Fulham, trailing 2-1 from the first leg, started with determination, with Joao Palhinha’s volley and Antonee Robinson’s dangerous delivery, but Liverpool took the lead in the 11th minute. Jarell Quansah’s long ball caught Timothy Castagne off guard, allowing Diaz to beat him in the air and score past Bernd Leno at the near post. Diaz had another goal disallowed for offside, keeping Fulham in the game.
Raul Jimenez’s long-range shot tested Liverpool’s goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, but Fulham couldn’t find the equalizer they desperately needed. Despite a five-minute flurry with attempts from Willian and Tom Cairney, Fulham couldn’t break through.
In the second half, Fulham continued to press, with Bobby Decordova-Reid hitting the post, and Liverpool weathered the storm. Ryan Gravenberch and Darwin Nunez had chances for Liverpool, but their efforts missed the target.
Fulham finally leveled the score in the 77th minute when Harry Wilson’s cross found Diop, who expertly finished to give Fulham hope. Despite a late push, Liverpool held on to secure their place in the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea.