London (AP) – Jürgen Klopp danced radiantly in front of the grandstand after the final whistle, Wembley Stadium shone in red light. Liverpool won the English League Cup for the first time under the German coach.
The Reds beat Thomas Tuchel’s FC Chelsea on penalties 11:10 in extra time. In front of 85,512 spectators at the atmospheric Wembley Stadium in London, the two teams fought a fast-paced game and one of the most entertaining League Cup finals in years. “You have to be lucky too,” Klopp told Sky Sports. “We were lucky. The game could have ended 5-5.”
Kepa becomes a tragic figure
Ironically, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa, who came on for the penalty shoot-out, missed the winning shot after all 21 shooters had previously scored from the spot. No goal was scored during regulation time and the 30-minute overtime. Chelsea, with the German international Kai Havertz up front and the Klopp team with the attacking stars Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané and Luis Diaz, had at times exchanged blows with top-class chances on both sides.
An alleged goal by former Schalke player Joel Matip for the Reds was disallowed after video evidence because Virgil van Dijk was offside. Two goals from the strong Havertz and one goal from substitute Romelu Lukaku did not count for the Blues.
In England, the League Cup is considered rather insignificant compared to the FA Cup. Nevertheless, both coaches played almost at their best. Instead of regular keeper Alisson, Klopp let his representative Caoimhin Kelleher play in the Reds’ goal.
“Caoimhin Kelleher is a young guy who has played the whole competition, what should I do?” Klopp explained the move. “He deserves it.” At Chelsea, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made spectacular saves to keep his side from falling behind before making way for the unfortunate Kepa between the posts.
Solidarity with Ukraine
The game was overshadowed by the war in Ukraine. Before kick-off, teams and spectators at Wembley expressed their solidarity with Ukraine. The stadium screens read “Football Stands Together” in blue and yellow. Thousands of fans joined in the song “You’ll Never Walk Alone”, which is also Liverpool’s anthem. Flags of Ukraine could be seen in the stands.
On Saturday, Russian Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who is accused of being close to Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin, handed over control of the club from London. Because of the war in Ukraine, calls have been made in Britain to impose sanctions on the Russian billionaire. According to reports, Chelsea FC is not yet up for sale.