At Anfield, the encounter between Liverpool and Chelsea remained deadlocked at 1-1 after regulation time. Morgan Rogers opened the scoring for the visitors from the penalty spot in the 40th minute, but the lead was short-lived as Cody Gakpo equalized for the hosts just three minutes later following a handball by Wesley Fofana. The subsequent shoot-out saw missed attempts from both sides, but Liverpool ultimately triumphed after goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili made a crucial save against Emmanuel Emegha, and Fofana sent his decisive spot-kick into the stands.
City Survive Brighton Scare as Quarter-Final Draw Takes Shape
Manchester City’s path to the next round proved equally difficult. Manager Enzo Maresca, having rotated his squad with nine changes, saw his side fall behind twice to Brighton. Malick Yalcouye opened the scoring for the visitors, and although Mateo Kovacic leveled with a long-range strike, Georginio Rutter restored Brighton’s lead early in the second half. A deflected free-kick from Cherki eventually forced the 2-2 draw, pushing the match to penalties. Goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli emerged as the hero for the holders, saving efforts from Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk to secure the win.
The quarter-final draw has set up several intriguing fixtures. Manchester City will face third-tier Bradford, while Liverpool are set to take on Bournemouth. Elsewhere, Crystal Palace secured a 1-0 victory over Fulham to progress, and Sunderland defeated Brentford 3-2. The most notable upset of the round saw fourth-tier Fleetwood eliminate Premier League champions Arsenal on penalties, earning them a spot in the final eight where they will face the winner of the Everton versus Newcastle tie.
