Liverpool Beat Chelsea on Penalties Again in Carabao Cup Thriller 2026

Liverpool beat Chelsea on penalties yet again to secure their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after a tense last-16 tie at Anfield. The shoot-out victory extended Liverpool's perfect record against Chelsea in penalty competitions, a streak that now stands at five consecutive wins.

Wesley Fofana's woeful attempt sailed high into the Kop, sealing Chelsea's fate and sending Andoni Iraola's side through. The defender was not the only culprit as Chelsea's catalogue of penalty misery against Liverpool gained a new chapter.

Liverpool's Dominance in Penalty Shootouts Against Chelsea

Chelsea must have known their fate as soon as the tie went to penalties. Four times they had faced Liverpool in a shoot-out previously and four times they had lost. Make that five, after Fofana's miss.

The defeat adds to Chelsea's growing list of penalty heartbreaks against Liverpool, including the 2007 Champions League semi-final, the 2019 UEFA Super Cup final, and the FA and League Cup finals of 2022. Each time, the Blues have come up short from twelve yards.

Key Moments in the Shootout

Emmanuel Emegha could have won it for Xabi Alonso's visitors, but his effort was saved superbly by Giorgi Mamardashvili. Kostas Tsimikas could also have reprised his match-winning role from Wembley in 2022 but fired over when Liverpool were a kick away from the last eight.

Ryan Gravenberch and Valentin Barco also failed to convert in the shoot-out after Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo had both scored penalties in normal time. The shootout was a nervy affair, but Liverpool held their nerve when it mattered.

• Liverpool have now won all five penalty shootouts against Chelsea.
• Wesley Fofana's miss sealed the win for Liverpool.
• Giorgi Mamardashvili made a crucial save to deny Emmanuel Emegha.
• Kostas Tsimikas missed a chance to win it earlier in the shootout.
• Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo scored in normal time.

Alonso and Henderson's Anfield Return

Former Liverpool midfielders Xabi Alonso and Jordan Henderson received lukewarm receptions on their return to Anfield, certainly in comparison to previous visits with Bayer Leverkusen, Real Madrid, and Brentford. That was the best they could have hoped for given the club they were returning with.

The Chelsea manager was warmly embraced before kick-off by his childhood friend Iraola, however, while Henderson's reception was more muted. The pair's return added an extra layer of intrigue to an already compelling contest.

What the Result Means

Liverpool progress to the quarter-finals, keeping their hopes of lifting the Carabao Cup alive. For Chelsea, the defeat raises further questions about their ability to handle pressure in knockout competitions.

The Blues have now lost five consecutive penalty shootouts to Liverpool, a psychological hurdle that may prove difficult to overcome in future meetings. Alonso's side will need to regroup quickly as they turn their attention back to league matters.

Penalty Shootout Records: Liverpool vs Chelsea

The pattern is clear: when these two sides go to penalties, Liverpool invariably come out on top. Chelsea's latest defeat only reinforces the narrative.

What's Next for Both Sides?

Liverpool will await the quarter-final draw, while Chelsea must pick themselves up for their next Premier League fixture. The psychological impact of another shootout loss to Liverpool could linger.

For Iraola's side, the victory is a boost to morale and a sign of their resilience. The Reds have now shown they can win in high-pressure situations, a valuable trait as the season progresses.

The Carabao Cup remains a realistic target for Liverpool, who have a strong history in the competition. Chelsea, meanwhile, will need to address their penalty shootout woes if they are to challenge for silverware this term.

The drama at Anfield adds to the rich history of penalty shootouts in football. For a deeper look at some of the most iconic spot-kicks ever taken, see our list of 50 most famous Panenka penalties in football history. The article highlights the audacity and skill required to execute such a bold technique.

Penalty shootouts often define careers and create legends. Another fascinating read is our piece on 50 famous Panenka penalties: the ultimate list, which ranks the best examples of the art form. It's a must-read for any football fan.

For those interested in the tactical side of the game, Spain's recent dominance offers valuable lessons. Our analysis of Spain's football dominance built on collective principles explains how teamwork and unity can lead to sustained success.

Liverpool's own penalty heroics have been well documented. Relive their dramatic win over Newcastle in our coverage of Liverpool's Szoboszlai penalty salvages draw at Newcastle, where another late spot-kick proved decisive.

And if you're a fan of the Panenka, don't miss our ultimate guide to the technique. Our article on 50 most famous Panenka penalties: the ultimate guide breaks down the most memorable executions.

Finally, for a different take on football's big moments, check out our coverage of USA exits U-20 World Cup on penalties as timing sparks criticism, which explores the controversy surrounding another shootout defeat.