NEW DELHI, OCT 29 (IANS): Liverpool and Manchester City advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after securing dramatic penalty shootout victories, while Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Bradford City also progressed to the last eight.
Liverpool defeated Chelsea 6-5 on penalties at Anfield after the fourth-round encounter ended 1-1 in regulation time. Morgan Rogers put Chelsea ahead before Cody Gakpo equalised in the final five minutes of the first half. The Reds eventually prevailed in the shootout, with Joe Gomez converting his attempt before Wesley Fofana missed for Chelsea.
The match also marked Xabi Alonso’s return to Anfield, which ended in disappointment for the Spaniard. Liverpool will face AFC Bournemouth in the quarter-finals. Bournemouth booked their place in the last eight with a convincing 3-0 victory over five-time winners Aston Villa at the Vitality Stadium. Amine Adli opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Lewis Cook doubled the lead six minutes into the second half. Alvaro Rodriguez completed the scoring in the 69th minute after being set up by Tyler Adams.
Crystal Palace also advanced after defeating Fulham, with Eddie Nketiah’s first-half finish proving decisive. The victory extended Palace’s winning run at Craven Cottage to five matches and secured their place in the quarter-finals for a third consecutive season, a first in the club’s history. Palace will host Sunderland in the last eight. Sunderland overcame Brentford 3-2 at the Stadium of Light, with three first-half goals giving the Black Cats a decisive advantage. Callum Wilson scored a late first-half consolation for Brentford, while Igor Thiago added another goal late in the match.
Defending champions Manchester City survived a stern challenge from Brighton and Hove Albion before winning 4-3 on penalties to reach the quarter-finals. Malick Yalcouye gave Brighton the lead in the 30th minute before Mateo Kovacic equalised shortly before half-time. Georginio Rutter restored Brighton’s advantage after the break, but Rayan Cherki’s 72nd-minute free-kick took a deflection off Vitor Reis and levelled the score.
City goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli saved two penalties to help the holders secure victory. City will host Bradford City in the quarter-finals, scheduled for the week commencing December 14.
Bradford City secured their place in the last eight with a victory over Peterborough United, courtesy of goals from Macaulay Gillesphey and Adam Phillips. The result took Bradford into the quarter-finals for the first time since the 2012-13 season.
