Liverpool to host Bournemouth in EFL Cup quarter-finals
A shootout victory over Chelsea kept Liverpool in contention for a record-extending 11th EFL Cup title.
Bournemouth will visit Anfield for an EFL Cup quarter-final during the week commencing December 14 after Liverpool eliminated Chelsea on penalties. The fourth-round victory extended Liverpool’s perfect record against Chelsea in competitive shootouts to five wins.
Both goals before the shootout came from penalties. Morgan Rogers gave Chelsea the lead, but Cody Gakpo brought Liverpool level shortly before the halftime break.
Five players were unsuccessful in the shootout. Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas and Ryan Gravenberch missed, while Chelsea’s Valentin Barco struck the post and Emmanuel Emegha was denied by Giorgi Mamardashvili. Wesley Fofana then sent the decisive attempt over the bar.
Head coach Andoni Iraola said he had hoped to avoid a meeting with Bournemouth, his former club. He described the draw as special because of that connection and said Bournemouth were in good form and knew him well. Iraola also pointed to Liverpool’s earlier ties against Spurs and Chelsea, saying a semi-final place would have to be earned.
Liverpool’s previous shootout successes against Chelsea came in the Champions League in 2007, the Super Cup in 2019 and both domestic cup finals in 2022. Xabi Alonso, who now coaches Chelsea, scored a penalty for Liverpool in the 2007 contest.
