Carabao Cup: Virgil van Dijk late-minute header wins trophy for Liverpool

Liverpool defeated Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley in the 2024 Carabao Cup final with Virgil van Dijk’s header in the 118th minute. After both teams hit the woodwork and had attempts disallowed for offside, along with numerous other chances, in the preceding action, Van Dijk’s header from Kostas Tsimikas’ corner came in the 118th minute to dash the hopes of a potential penalty shootout.

The game

Liverpool’s start was quite impressive, as they consistently put pressure on Chelsea’s defence. Both goalies then made vital saves after being put to the test with early long-range attempts. Luis Diaz attempted a low drive inside the area, but Djordje Petrovic stopped it after Cody Gakpo took advantage of an Axel Disasi slip at the back.

Cole Palmer was certain to score from close range after Conor Gallagher’s cross was well cleared by him. But, Caoimhin Kelleher made a fantastic move to save the strong shot. Midway through the half, Ryan Gravenberch was stretchered off after a challenge by Moises Caicedo, dealing a setback to the Reds.

Chelsea looked to have the ball in the net in the 32nd minute, but the offside flag was raised right away, and VAR confirmed the decision. Nicolas Jackson took a goal too soon and sent the ball across goal for Raheem Sterling to tap in. However, Liverpool was just a hair’s breadth away from leading at halftime, even though they were up against it. Gakpo’s header struck the post after Robertson clipped a ball into the box; the rebound was cleared.

A counter-attack provided Chelsea with a wonderful opportunity early on, but Enzo Fernandez was unable to adjust his feet in the area and covert Gallagher’s pass. On the hour mark, VAR disallowed Liverpool’s goal. Van Dijk headed in Robertson’s curled free kick from the left, but a lengthy review determined that Wataru Endo was offside in the buildup.

Carabao Cup Extra-time waterloo

The show became more and more intense. Disasi had the opportunity to put the Blues ahead, but he failed to connect cleanly at the back post from a yard out after a corner was flicked on to him. But, just when it seemed like there was going to be a penalty shootout, the Liverpool captain emerged with the Carabao cup-winning moment.