There was almost a sense of inevitability for Chelsea as the game dragged into shootouts, and sure enough, Wesley Fofana soon stepped up and sent his penalty high over the crossbar at Anfield, and Liverpool could celebrate.
The Blues’ wait for a shootout victory over Liverpool goes on. Liverpool have now beaten them in four previous penalty shootouts: the Uefa Super Cup final in 2019, the 2022 Champions League semi-final, and the Carabao and FA cup finals in 2022.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso returned to Anfield looking for a response after his side lost at home to Tottenham. The former Liverpool midfielder received a relatively muted reception, as did Jordan Henderson, who also returned to face his old club.
Both Alonso and Andoni Iraola made changes for the last-16 tie. Liverpool, with an eye on Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Arsenal, rested their big hitters, leaving Cody Gakpo as the only big name up front. Chelsea, with their midweeks free, had more leeway. Danny Welbeck came in to replace the injured Joao Pedro, alongside Morgan Rogers and Pedro Neto in attack.
The visitors had the stronger available starting side on paper, but neither team established much control during a scrappy opening period. Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha offered some excitement with his direct runs down the left, although the final ball often let the home side down.
The full shootout 🍿 https://t.co/YJUPCTOTOy
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) October 28, 2026
The game came to life just before half-time when the teams scored from two penalties in quick succession. Chelsea won the first after Ryan Gravenberch caught Moises Caicedo from behind inside the Liverpool penalty area. The midfielder had little chance of winning the ball with his challenge, and referee Darren England pointed to the spot.
Henderson picked up the ball before handing it to Morgan Rogers, who sent Mamardashvili the wrong way to put Chelsea ahead.
Liverpool’s response was almost immediate. Cody Gakpo equalised from the penalty spot after Fofana raised his arm and handled the ball during a scramble following a corner.
Gakpo sent Mike Penders the wrong way, leaving the sides level at the break after a brief spell of drama had rescued an otherwise quiet first half.
Liverpool looked to build on the equaliser after the restart, but Chelsea gradually grew into the contest. Rogers had a chance to put Alonso’s side back in front when he broke through on goal, only to lose control of the ball before he could produce a finish.
At the other end, Ronald Araujo came close to giving Liverpool the lead with a powerful header from Joe Gomez’s cross. Penders reacted well to keep the attempt out and prevent the hosts from taking advantage of the pressure.
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola turned to his bench just before the hour mark, introducing Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola in an attempt to find a winner. The changes brought greater threat, but Chelsea’s defence held firm.
Barcola forced another good save from Penders after cutting inside from the right, and Wirtz later saw an effort blocked by Levi Colwill after Gakpo had knocked the ball into his path.
Chelsea also had opportunities to win the tie in normal time. Rogers played a fine pass through to Marco Palestra, whose effort was kept out by Mamardashvili with a low save. Neither side could find the decisive goal, however, and Chelsea were led to the gallows.
