Liverpool have qualified to compete in the quarterfinals of the 2026-2027 Carabao Cup after beating Chelsea in a penalty shoot-out in an all-English Premier League tie at Anfield.

In a close game played between teams managed by childhood friends Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola, it was Iraola’s team that emerged victors.

Liverpool striker Cody Gakpo scored from the penalty spot three minutes after Chelsea forward Morgan Rogers put the Blues ahead, also from a penalty, in the 40th minute.

The game ended 1-1 at the end of regulation pushing the contest into a penalty shootout that had Liverpool triumph 6-5.

After dreadful misses from Kostas Tsimikas and Emmanuel Emegha, Liverpool defender Joe Gomez converted his attempt but Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana effected a poor kick that handed Liverpool the win.

“It has been a very competitive game.It is a great experience. Other players have played a good competitive game and I think to be in this knockout competition it gives you experience.”

“They played really well. Let’s see who we play in the next one” Iraola said to ITV Sport after the game.

Liverpool will play against AFC Bournemouth in the quarterfinals.