FOOTBALL
Liverpool lift Carabao Cup in a thriller
Liverpool have secured their first piece of silverware of the season as they overcame a formidable Chelsea performance in the Carabao Cup final.
Following a goalless 120 minutes, where both teams came close to snatching the glory, the match went to shoot-outs, and Liverpool held on to their nerves to win it 11-10.
Jurgen Klopp had to change his original plan before kick-off after Thiago Alcantara picked up an injury while warming up.
Naby Keita came in as a last-minute replacement in the starting XI, with Thiago watching on from the bench with tearful eyes.
Thomas Tuchel decided to bench Kepa Arrizabalaga, who played in every Carabao Cup match before the final, and put Edouard Mendy on goal.
Havertz a constant threat
He also stuck with Kai Havertz as his number nine, with Chelsea’s marquee summer signing Romelu Lukaku starting on the bench.
Havertz led the line well and was the focal point of several Chelsea attacks throughout the game, which tested the Red’s defensive capability to its limit.
He created the first big chance of the match by finding Christian Pulisic in a promising position, but the US international could not make the best out of the situation.
Liverpool responded on the other end as Mendy had to pull off two back-to-back saves to keep Sadio Mane from scoring.
Mount misses
Chelsea could have taken the break on the brink of half-time, but Mason Mount missed a glaring opportunity to score as his volley drifted wide off the post.
The tie remained an end-to-end affair after the break. Mount had another golden opportunity, but he could not get past Caoimhin Kelleher, who got chosen ahead of Liverpool’s regular number 1 Alisson Becker, on goal.
Ten minutes later, Mohamed Salah failed to hit the back of the net in a similar one-on-one encounter with Mendy.
Chelsea and Liverpool, both teams, had goals ruled out for offside.
VAR rules out goals
Kai Havertz found the net twice, but in vain, while Joel Matip’s header did not stand as VAR found Virgil van Dijk interfering play from an offside position.
Romelu Lukaku thought he had won it for Chelsea in extra time, but the Belgian’s goal was chalked off in a controversial VAR call.
With the match heading towards penalties, Tuchel brought on Kepa, who had garnered the reputation of a penalty specialist in recent times.
Kepa fails to deliver
The Spaniard was the hero in Chelsea’s shootout victories against Aston Villa and Southampton earlier in the competition.
He also saved a penalty in Chelsea’s FA Cup win over Plymouth a few weeks back.
But, the gamble did not pay off as Kepa could not prevent any of the penalties from going in.
The night got even worse for the 27-year-old, who is reportedly on the sales list next summer, as his kick flew into the stands, confirming Liverpool’s 9th League Cup haul.
FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.
Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.
The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!
FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.
The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.
FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant! The Indian Super League (ISL) promises an intense showdown as FC Goa faces league leaders Mohun Bagan Super Giant this Friday at Fatorda. With playoff positions at stake, both teams are set for a thrilling encounter.
FC Goa aims to break into the top three with a win, continuing their unbeaten six-match streak. Striker Armando Sadiku leads the Goa attack with eight goals in ten matches, while midfielders Iker Guarrotxena and Dejan Drazic add creativity. Young goalkeeper Hrithik Tiwari’s three clean sheets in five matches provide defensive assurance. FC Goa vs Mohun Bagan Super Giant!
Mohun Bagan, atop the league with 26 points, has relied on Jamie Maclaren’s scoring consistency and Greg Stewart’s midfield mastery. Although Stewart will miss the match due to injury, the Mariners boast six clean sheets this season, anchored by goalkeeper Vishal Kaith.
Both teams have impressive records, with Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season. The match could define playoff aspirations as Mohun Bagan aims to solidify their position, and Goa seeks to climb the rankings. Fans anticipate a tightly contested game between two strong sides showcasing Indian football’s growing quality.
The match is critical for both teams’ playoff aspirations. FC Goa looks to capitalize on their home advantage and attacking prowess, while Mohun Bagan seeks to extend their dominance at the top of the league. With FC Goa scoring 21 goals and Mohun Bagan conceding only 10 this season, the battle promises to be a showcase of quality football.
Fans are eagerly anticipating this high-stakes clash, which could significantly impact the league’s playoff picture. Both teams have shown resilience and skill, ensuring a thrilling contest.
The Indian Super League (ISL) 2024-25 features a highly anticipated clash between Mohun Bagan Super Giant and FC Goa at Fatorda’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Friday. Both teams come into this encounter in solid form, aiming to strengthen their campaigns at a crucial juncture in the season.
Mohun Bagan leads the standings with an unbeaten streak, registering seven wins and a draw in ISL 2024-25. Their defensive strength is evident, having kept six clean sheets. FC Goa, sitting fourth on the table, boasts a dynamic attacking style, with nine different players contributing goals this season.
This battle between Mohun Bagan’s resolute defense and Goa’s attacking versatility promises to be a high-stakes showdown. Goa seeks to overcome the league leaders and secure vital points to narrow the gap. Meanwhile, Mohun Bagan looks to extend its dominance and consolidate its position at the top.
Key players to watch include Mohun Bagan’s defensive stalwarts and Goa’s offensive playmakers. Both sides have demonstrated their capability to adapt to challenging situations, setting the stage for a thrilling contest. With the mid-season point approaching, the match carries significant implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations.
Fans can expect an intense, action-packed game as two of the ISL’s top teams vie for supremacy. Mohun Bagan’s strategic discipline will be tested against Goa’s creative and relentless attacks. This matchup is a must-watch for football enthusiasts, showcasing the best of Indian football talent.
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