The captain of the Liverpool secured the club’s record-extending 10th title in the competition by scoring a deep goal during extra time against Chelsea.
In Short
Van Dijk’s header (watch video)
A captain's goal fit to win any final 😍 pic.twitter.com/HchufKPmYJ
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 25, 2024
In the 118th minute, Van Dijk’s header from Kostas Simikas’s corner came when both sides were exerting pressure on the woodwork, with several attempts alongside offsides being dismissed in previous actions.
First Half
Liverpool made a strong start, putting sustained pressure on the Chelsea backline. After testing efforts from long range, both goalkeepers made crucial interventions.
Following a slip by Axel Tuanzebe, Georgie Petrovich thwarted a low drive from Luis Diaz inside the box. On the other end, Conor Gallagher was poised to score after clearing a cross, but Kaomahina Keleher brilliantly threw himself into the goal to stop the powerful attempt.
Keleher’s brilliant save (watch video)
Absolutely world class from Caoimhin Kelleher ⛔ pic.twitter.com/wO5F0BKtmH
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 25, 2024
The Liverpool suffered a setback during this period when Ryan Gravenberch was forced off after a challenge from Moises Cacido. Gomez came on as a replacement.
In the 32nd minute, Chelsea found the net, but the offside flag was immediately raised, confirming the VAR decision. Nicholas Jackson quickly fell back before scoring a tap-in for Rahim Sterling.
However, as Liverpool pressed, they were a bit distant from increasing their lead. Robertson delivered a cross into the box, and Gaakpo’s header hit the post, clearing the rebound.
The last opportunity of the half also went in favor of the Reds as Connor Bradley’s shot inside the box was blocked in the dying moments.
Second Half
A responsive attack gave Chelsea a good chance early on, although Enzo Fernandez struggled to adjust his footing in the area, failing to connect with Gallagher’s pass. Harvey Elliott obtained a cross from Gaakpo that needed to be pushed away from Chelsea’s goal by Petrovich.
At the hour mark, Liverpool was awarded a goal via VAR. Van Dijk headed in a free-kick from Robertson, but a lengthy review ruled it offside. The game opened up further. The Blues could have advanced, but failed to connect properly when a corner came their way. They came close minutes later when Palmer’s cross was flicked onto the post by Gallagher.
Meanwhile, Gomez tested Petrovich with a powerful hit from an angle at the end of an extensive attack.
Liverpool relied on Keleher’s talent on three occasions in recent times. Firstly, he came out to press Gallagher before he could shoot. Then, in the second minute of stoppage time, he used his legs to block a Palmer attempt and then cleared Nakunuku’s follow-up.
Extra Time
After successfully delivering a clear corner, Van Dijk rose above Mykhailo Mudryk to head into the far corner of Tsikimakis’s goal, showcasing a wild scene in the red half of Wembley. On Sunday, at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final, Liverpool’s captain, after scoring the winning goal in extra time to defeat Chelsea 1-0, expressed pride in the team, Virgil Van Dijk.
Pure joy. #TeamPixel #AD pic.twitter.com/hQDs0bJMf8
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) February 25, 2024
The captain had earlier witnessed a VAR review disallowing a header goal, but it couldn’t deter him, as eventually, in the 118th minute, he displayed a moment of immense personal triumph with a clever finish from Kostas Simikas’s corner. After Van Dijk’s goal secured the club’s record-tying tenth League Cup title, the celebrations got underway. Sky Sports questioned him on the significance of this victory for him after the game.
Virgil Van Dijk’s First trophy as Liverpool captain
“It means a lot. To see all the young lads on the pitch, if you see extra time, it’s unbelievable. “I’m incredibly proud of the team,” the center back answered.
“The match proved to be a real test for both teams, opportunities arose for both sides, and the overall experience was nothing short of remarkable.” First trophy as Liverpool captain – it’s for all the fans, so let’s enjoy this.”
“It’s important to hold onto the joyous occasions, and without a doubt, this stands out as one of those precious moments worth treasuring.” We’ll never take these things for granted, we are very, very grateful, and you see today that it could have gone the other way too, we could have lost.”
“”Yet, we persevered, fulfilling our responsibilities admirably, even in the face of challenges encountered both prior to and throughout the match – and indeed, I couldn’t be prouder.” Being a member of our club makes me proud all the time, but especially the lads. They all played their roles, so the credit goes to the whole team.”
Liverpool’s win provided Van Dijk with the opportunity to lift a piece of silverware as captain, having been appointed as such by the club in the past summers.
“I wanted him next to me and I’m glad he agreed,” said Van Dijk. “This moment fills me with pride, it’s exceptional, and it’s a memory I’ll hold dear for a lifetime.”
“Let’s hope for a big stage,” the Dutchman stated, citing the possibility that this accomplishment will benefit the team’s advancement in three more tournaments this season.
“Obviously, with the madness of playing again against Southampton (in the Emirates FA Cup) on Wednesday, the change is crazy. Hopefully, the players will return as soon as possible, and we will do everything within our power to return to our best as soon as possible.
“We need everyone by the end of the season. But since we’re in everything, why not go out and enjoy it? All of us, not just the players-staff, but especially the fans.
“It’s a beautiful time – and we shouldn’t take this time lightly. We have to move forward with it and do it all together. I’m waiting for that.”
