Liverpool storms into the Carabao Cup Final with a decisive win against Tottenham. Read about the match’s pivotal moments and player contributions.
A Dominating Show at Anfield
Liverpool staged a scintillating show to overturn their first-leg deficit and secure a place in the Carabao Cup 2025 final, thrashing Tottenham 4-0 in the second leg at Anfield. Arne Slot’s side, trailing 1-0 from the first leg, left no room for doubt as they relentlessly attacked Spurs. Goals from Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Dominik Szoboszlai, and Virgil van Dijk sealed an emphatic victory and secured Liverpool’s ticket to Wembley, where they will face Newcastle United on March 16. See also: Salah Scores, Tarkowski Stuns as Everton
Early Pressure but No Breakthrough
Slot made four changes from the side that defeated Bournemouth in the Premier League, bringing in Caoimhin Kelleher in goal, Conor Bradley for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, while Curtis Jones and Darwin Nunez replaced Alexis Mac Allister and Luis Diaz.
See also: Clinical Salah Secures 3 Points as Liverpool Extend Title Lead
Starting at the whistle, Liverpool earned possession and paced the game, taking Tottenham into their half. Several half-opportunities were created but would not come good as the Spurs held firm under intense pressure in defense. See also: Salah Equals Gerrard’s Penalty Record
Breakthrough by Gakpo
As Liverpool continued to probe, their persistence paid off in the 34th minute. Mohamed Salah delivered an exquisite outside-of-the-boot cross into the penalty area, which Cody Gakpo controlled brilliantly before drilling a half-volley past Antonin Kinsky. The goal not only leveled the tie but also sent Anfield into raptures, setting the stage for further dominance. See also: Newcastle Crush Arsenal 2-0 to Secure Wembley Showdown
Relentless Liverpool Take Control
From the break, Liverpool came out with the same aim, and in minutes, they almost doubled the lead. A flick-on by Szoboszlai off an Andy Robertson corner found Gakpo at point-blank range, yet somehow, his header was repelled by Kinsky.
Kinsky’s luck soon ran out as the Tottenham goalkeeper rushed out to challenge Nunez but brought him down inside the box. The referee did not hesitate, pointing to the spot, and Salah stepped forward to fire an unstoppable penalty into the top corner, which made it 2-0 on the night and gave Liverpool full control of the tie.
Szoboszlai and Van Dijk Seal the Victory
Liverpool refused to take their foot off the pedal. Nunez fired into the side netting after a well-worked move before Gakpo struck the post with a venomous shot from the edge of the box. Moments later, Ryan Gravenberch also hit the foot of the post from long range, further highlighting Liverpool’s attacking dominance.
Finally, in the 72nd minute, Liverpool delivered the killer blow. Alexis Mac Allister, who came off the bench, played Conor Bradley on the right flank. Bradley’s smart underlapping run allowed him to slip the ball to Szoboszlai, who calmly slotted it past Kinsky to extend Liverpool’s lead to 3-0.
With Virgil van Dijk heading Liverpool’s fourth high above the Spurs defense from a corner, the night was capped off emphatically. That strike ensured there was no way back for Tottenham and rubber-stamped Liverpool’s place in the final.
The Road to Wembley
This emphatic victory will put Liverpool in contention to win the Carabao Cup, which they won last season. The much-anticipated match between Liverpool and Newcastle United on March 16 promises to be exciting, as both teams are eager to add silverware to their season.
Meanwhile, Tottenham will go back with much to reflect upon after this rather disappointing night in which they were simply outclassed. Being the team with an advantage from the first leg, they failed to cope with Liverpool’s intensity and attacking flair as they crumbled under pressure.
Liverpool’s performance demonstrated its squad depth and attacking prowess, as key contributions came from both regular starters and substitutes. If it can continue at this level, Liverpool will be strong favorites to lift the Carabao Cup again.