FA CUP: LIVERPOOL defeat CHELSEA on penalties to lift the 8th FA Cup title
Liverpool has had some great spells of victory under Jurgen Klopp. And they have another trophy in their cabinet to show for it. They beat Chelsea for the second time in penalties this season to lift their 8th FA CUP.
It was a close game as the two teams went head-to-head for the second time in a domestic cup final. Earlier this year, both the teams had squared off in the final of the Carabao Cup.
It, too, had boiled down to the penalties, and an infamous miss by Kapa handed Liverpool the victory.
The memories of the same might have been very fresh in the mind of the players. Hence, they decided to have a go at each other from the very kickoff.
For most of the first half, Liverpool dominated the game. They had more of the ball and shots as well. But they couldn’t find a goal to show for it.
The tables turned on them when Mohammed Salah picked up an injury in the 33rd minute. He was forced off the field, and suddenly Liverpool’s attack started lacking. That is when Chelsea put their foot on the accelerator.
They connected some excellent passes to tether Liverpool’s defense. Lukalu, with his two supporters in the form of Mount and Pulisic, threatened Ederson’s goal. The Brazilian remained firm and came out on top.
The second half was also a cat and mouse chase to get the first goal. And both the teams came close to rattling the post on a couple of occasions. Yet none of them could find the back of the net at the end of the extra time.
After being inseparable for 120 minutes of high-octane football, it all came down to kicks from 12 yards.
Drama in pentalies
It was drama for Chelsea on the very second penalty. Their captain Caeser Azpilicueta missed the penalty. Liverpool managed to score all four of theirs, and it came to Mendy to save their fifth.
The Senegalese kept a shot out from his fellow national team player Mane to keep Chelsea in the game. However, his efforts went in vain as two penalties later, Mount failed to convert. And Liverpool’s Tsimikas, who had come off the bench for penalties, won them the title.
With this victory, Liverpool has completed a domestic double this season. While their chances in the premier league look slim after the Spurs draw, they have another major final lined up in the form of the Champions League.
They will square off with Real Madrid on the 29th of this month.
In short, they still are pretty likely to complete a quadruple. They won’t be thinking too far ahead as of now and will be enjoying their 8th FA CUP victory.
The last time they won this tournament was way back in 2006. So, this is indeed a massive achievement for Klopp and his boys.
