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According to a report by Flashscore on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Chelsea suffered a disappointing Carabao Cup exit after losing 6-5 to Liverpool on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Anfield. The result ended Chelsea's hopes of reaching the quarter-finals, while Liverpool advanced to the next stage of the competition.
The fourth-round encounter between the Premier League rivals produced an entertaining contest, with both teams determined to secure qualification. Despite creating several opportunities, neither side managed to find a decisive goal during regulation time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
Chelsea head coach Xabi Alonso approached the fixture hoping to guide his players into the quarter-finals. However, Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola was equally determined to keep his team's hopes of winning the domestic trophy alive. Both sides showed attacking intent, although neither established complete dominance during the opening stages.
Chelsea eventually took the lead in the 40th minute after Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch committed a foul inside the penalty area. Morgan Rogers stepped forward to take the resulting spot kick and confidently converted, giving the visitors an important advantage before half-time.
Liverpool responded just three minutes later, restoring parity before the interval. The home side were awarded a penalty in the 43rd minute after Wesley Fofana was penalised for handling the ball inside Chelsea's penalty area. Cody Gakpo took responsibility for the kick and successfully converted to make it 1-1.
Both teams returned for the second half determined to find the winning goal. Chelsea increased their attacking pressure in an attempt to regain the lead, while Liverpool pushed forward, hoping to take advantage of their home support and avoid a penalty shootout.
As the contest progressed, both managers introduced substitutions and adjusted their tactics in search of a breakthrough. However, their efforts failed to produce another goal, leaving the score level after 90 minutes.
The match subsequently went to penalties, where both teams battled to secure qualification. Chelsea remained competitive throughout the shootout, but Liverpool eventually gained the advantage and won 6-5.
Joe Gomez emerged as the decisive figure after converting the winning penalty, confirming Liverpool's progression into the quarter-finals and keeping their hopes of lifting the Carabao Cup alive.
For Chelsea, the defeat represented another frustrating setback, particularly after taking the lead during the first half. Alonso must now redirect his attention towards the Premier League, where his team are scheduled to face Manchester United on Saturday, October 31.
Liverpool, meanwhile, will prepare for their league meeting with Arsenal on Sunday, November 1, as they seek to build on their cup success. The victory at Anfield provides encouragement for Iraola's side as they continue their pursuit of silverware this season.