Branislav Ivanovic’s 94th minute header helped Chelsea to their first League Cup final in seven years, and a return to Wembley – which has hosted much of the Blues’ success in recent years.
Mourinho’s side looked worthy winners on the night, despite a few scares in a thrilling end-to-end tie.
The cup tie was a certainly entertaining for the neutral; despite the lack of goals it was one of the most enjoyable 0-0 score-lines in recent times.
Chelsea began the game as the stronger side. Although clear chances were few and far between, the atmosphere at the Bridge was electric in what was perhaps a response to recent criticism, and it seemed to push the home side that step further.
It didn’t take long for tempers to rise; Diego Costa was lucky to escape punishment for what Mourinho labelled an ‘accidental’ stamp on Emre Can early on. This was to be the first of a few heated moments between the Blues’ forward and the away side.
Referee Michael Oliver was quick to dismiss a very strong penalty appeal, after Martin Skrtel’s tackle left Diego Costa on the floor of the penalty area.
The game was a pulsating end-to-end tie. Moreno and Coutinho opened up a shaky-looking Chelsea defence – who fortunately grew into the game – but had both their efforts denied by a brilliant Thibaut Courtois, who scooped the Man of the Match award on the night.
Despite controlling the possession for the majority of the tie, Chelsea were undone by a long ball which Sterling chased down and took into the box; Terry had half cleared it but a very confident and un-phased Kurt Zouma was there to prevent Sterling from capitalising.
The game needed half-time to allow both teams to regroup and go at the opposition again. Not long into the second half and Costa was up to his antics again with seemingly another ‘stamp’, this time on Skrtel, which infuriated the away side.
Fabregas was forced off with a slight hamstring concern, and was replaced by Ramires, who was unlucky with a shot from distance which fizzed past the post.
Towards the end of the game Filipe Luis was also taken off due to a calf concern – Azpilicueta taking his place at left-back.
Mingolet’s left foot prevented two big chances for the Blues, as Hazard and co’s efforts were thwarted to take the game to extra time.
It didn’t take long for Chelsea to break the dead-lock in extra time. Lucas gave away a dangerous foul on the edge of the box, which was clipped in and headed home by an unchallenged Branislav Ivanovic.
The Blues did well to see the game out, in a performance that saw a few late chances fluffed, but very little in the way of defensive errors.
Chelsea will now face either Tottenham or Sheffield United on Sunday March 1st at Wembley.
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Match Ratings
Courtois – 10: Would be hard to justify anything lower, deserved his MOTM after a few brilliant saves and his usual claiming of crosses.
Ivanovic – 7: A good performance capped by his late goal, but gave the ball away a few times in the first half needlessly and allowed Moreno in for what perhaps should have been a Liverpool goal.
Terry – 8: Worked well with Zouma and won some very important headers, was late into a couple of tackles but a solid performance.
Zouma – 8: A brilliant night for the young defender; had to prove he was worthy of his starting place and did so. Minor scare to allow Sterling to run through but recovered well and was opened up too easily for Coutinho’s chance but it was a big night for him and he handled it well.
Luis – 7: Very good defensively, particularly against Markovic who was kept quiet. Lost the ball a few times with knocks down the line or into Costa which never quite made it.
Matic – 7: Worked his way into the game after a few wayward passes early on. Worked hard until the last minute to provide cover for the back four. Retained possession well.
Fabregas – 6: Very quiet compared to his usual self. Kept the ball well and worked hard for his team, was taken off early in the second half.
Hazard – 8: Became that player we love as the game went on, creating chances and cutting the Liverpool defence open. Lacked the final ball.
Oscar – 7: Not a lot of time spent on the ball but put in his usual shift and was very important to the team on the night.
Willian – 7: Typical Willian performance under Mourinho. Noticed him give the ball away a few times but was very quick to win it back. Worked hard down both wings to provide extra defensive cover. Kept working until the last minute at a high intensity.
Costa – 7: Hold up play was crucial in the game. Got under the skin of the Liverpool players but was lucky not to be sent off. Had a few chances but no clear-cut ones.
Used Subs: Ramires – 7, Azpilicueta – 7, Drogba – N/A
Unused Subs: Cech, Ake, Cahill, Remy
