League Cup · Round of 16 · 28 Oct 2026

Liverpool 1 – 1 Chelsea

Cody Gakpo 43' (pen) Morgan Rogers 40' (pen)

Half-time 1–1 · Penalties 6–5 · Venue: Anfield · Referee: Darren England

Wesley Fofana’s miss in sudden death decided a marathon shoot-out. Earlier, Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo had traded spot-kicks in a three-minute spell before half-time.

Rogers and Gakpo trade penalties before the break

Liverpool were the first side in trouble with the referee, Darren England. Lewis Koumas was booked for a foul in the 11th minute, and James McConnell followed for handball in the 21st.

Chelsea went ahead in the 40th minute when Rogers converted a penalty. The lead lasted only 3 minutes, as Gakpo levelled from the spot in the 43rd minute.

The second half brought no further goals but two Chelsea bookings. Josh Acheampong was cautioned for a foul in the 50th minute and Romeo Lavia went into the book in the 73rd.

Liverpool edged the expected goals at 2.19 to 1.88 and had 52% of the ball. Rogers was rated 7.62, the highest on the pitch, after a busy night that included 6 shots and a key pass.

Fofana’s miss settles sudden death

The shoot-out went deep into sudden death. Alexis Mac Allister, Alexander Isak, Gakpo and Florian Wirtz all scored for Liverpool. Pedro Neto, Rogers and Lavia replied for Chelsea.

Valentin Barco then missed Chelsea’s fourth kick, but Konstantinos Tsimikas failed to take advantage. Jordan Henderson and Bradley Barcola both scored, and Levi Colwill kept Chelsea level.

Ryan Gravenberch missed for Liverpool, handing Chelsea the chance to win it, but Emanuel Emegha could not convert. Joe Gomez scored, and Fofana’s miss sent Liverpool through.

Back to the Premier League for both sides

The draw in normal time continues an even recent record between the clubs. Chelsea have won 2 and Liverpool 2 of the last 5 meetings before this tie, with the other a 1-1 draw at Anfield on 9 May 2026.

For Liverpool, the tie followed four straight wins in all competitions, against Lask Linz, Brentford, Villarreal and Brighton. Chelsea’s form has been more uneven, with this draw coming after a 2-0 defeat by Tottenham. Before that they beat Everton and Bournemouth.

Chelsea’s attention now turns to the visit of Manchester United to Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Saturday 31 October. Liverpool host Arsenal in the league on Sunday 1 November.

Read also: Palmer sent off as Penders own goal hands Tottenham 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge