London (AP) – Liverpool FC has reached the semi-finals in the English League Cup after a terrific race to catch up.
The Premier League table runner-up prevailed on Wednesday evening at Anfield Road 5-4 on penalties against Leicester City. After 90 minutes it was 3: 3 (1: 3).
Jamie Vardy (9th / 13th minute) put the guests in the lead with two quick goals. Coach Jürgen Klopp seemed to have gambled away, having made ten changes in his starting line-up compared to the 2-2 in the league at Tottenham. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (19th) provided the interim goal before James Maddison (33rd) restored the old gap. Diogo Jota (68.) and the Japanese Takumi Minamino in the fifth minute of stoppage time then save the Reds on penalties.
There goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher was the match winner. The Irish parried against Luke Thomas and Ryan Bertrand. Liverpool’s Diogo Jota then made the decision and cheers in the stadium with his converted penalty.
In addition to Liverpool, Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur followed Arsenal FC more or less confidently into the semi-finals. Chelsea prevailed 2-0 at Brentford FC. Coach Thomas Tuchel had to wait a long time before he could cheer: An own goal by Jansson (80th) paved the way for the Londoners, Jorginho (85th / penalty) then made everything clear. Tottenham won 2-1 against West Ham United. The day before Arsenal had won 5-1 against AFC Sunderland.
The semi-finals will take place on January 3rd and 10th. The final is scheduled for February 27 at London’s Wembley Stadium.
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