Liverpool Wins At Carabao Cup, Fulham's Chance To Go To The Final Hasn't Been Closed

Liverpool players Curtis Jones (left) and Darwin Nunez, celebrated the game against Fulham in the Carabao Cup. (X/@LFC)

JAKARTA - Liverpool won an important 2-1 victory over Fulham in the first semifinal of the Carabao Cup at Anfield Stadium, Thursday, January 11 in the morning WIB. However, Fulham's chance to the final has not been closed because there is still a second match.

Liverpool have to work hard and be lucky not to lose the home game. Left behind first, Liverpool were finally able to catch up and then turned to win.

However, the victory has not been able to pass Liverpool, who currently lead the English Premier League standings. Fulham's chances of getting rid of the Reds and qualifying for the final are still open.

However, Fulham must be able to catch a goal deficit in the second match which was held at home at Craven Cottage Stadium, Thursday, January 25 in the morning WIB.

On the other hand, Liverpool only need a draw to ensure tickets to the final against Chelsea or Middlesbrough. In the first semifinal, Mddlesbrough successfully beat Chelsea 1-0.

In that match, Liverpool did not go down with full strength because there were pillar players who were absent because they strengthened the national team.

Front player Mohamed Salah could not appear because he defended Egypt in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, midfielder Wataru Endo strengthened Japan in the 2023 Asian Cup.

Apart from them, not a few players are absent due to injury. Defender Trent Alexander-Arnold was the last player to appear due to injury.

However, Jurgen Klopp's manager still rotated the players.LAW Becker's goalkeeper was not fielded and his position was replaced by Caoimhin Kelher.

While on the front lines, Darwin Nunez also sat on the bench because Klopp gave Diogo Jota the opportunity to become a center forward. He was supported by Harvey Elliot and Luis Diaz.

Appearing with the'second' team, Liverpool must work hard to face the game against Fulham. The motivation to beat the top team and at the same time hope to win trophies makes The Cottagers appear aggressive.

Fulham's effort driven by Raul Jimenez was not in vain. In the 19th minute, winger Willian managed to break into the goal of his neck.

This Brazilian player's goal was created because of the mistake of captain Virgil van Dijk. The mistake was then used by Willian to break into Liverpool's goal.

Left behind 1-0, Liverpool immediately got up and pressed the Fulham defense. But their attack always failed so that the score did not change at halftime.

Entering the second half, The Kop is more active in attack. The entry of Nunez and Cody Gakpo to replace Ryan Gravenberch and Elliot made Liverpool's front line more lively.

Shortly thereafter, the host's attack gave results. Unmitigated, The Pool scored two goals in three minutes.

Liverpool's first goal, which equalized Curtis Jones' score in 68 minutes. The goal started when he received a pass from Nunez who then fired a long-range shot.

The ball had turned a direction because it hit defender Tosin Adarbioyo who then slid into Fulham's goal.

Not long ago or three minutes later, Gakpo made Liverpool take the lead. Again, this assist from Nunez was well completed by the Dutch national team player.

The score changed to 2-1. No more goals were created and Liverpool won the match. However, their chances to the final are still determined in the second semifinals.