English League Cup: Tuchel substitutes the wrong goalkeeper

Dhe Liverpool FC has won the English League Cup. Coach Jürgen Klopp’s team beat Thomas Tuchel’s coached Chelsea 11-10 on penalties in a high-class final on Sunday evening.

Against the atmospheric backdrop of 85,512 spectators at London’s Wembley Stadium, Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa became a tragic hero. Coach Tuchel had substituted him on before the penalty shoot-out, but Kepa couldn’t save the ball and was the only one to miss. Previously, all 21 shooters had scored. Despite many top-class opportunities, neither side scored a goal during regular time and extra time.

In England, the League Cup is considered rather insignificant compared to the FA Cup. Despite this, both coaches played almost at their best and delivered a fast-paced and entertaining exchange of blows. The only problem was the exploitation of chances. Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher, who stood in for regular keeper Alisson, also made several saves, some of them spectacular. Just before the penalty shootout, Kepa came on for Mendy.

Three goals disallowed

After about an hour, a goal by former Schalke player Joel Matip for Liverpool FC was disallowed for offside after video evidence. Two supposed Chelsea goals from Kai Havertz and one from Romelu Lukaku were also disallowed for offside.

Before the game, teams and spectators expressed their solidarity with Ukraine. Russian Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, who is said to be close to Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin, relinquished control of the London football club on Saturday in view of the threat of sanctions.