Liverpool edge Chelsea on penalties as Alonso says defeat ‘always feels harsh’

Liverpool reached the quarter-finals of the English League Cup after beating Chelsea 6-5 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at Anfield.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said the closely fought contest had been decided by the uncertainty of a shootout, with the losing side left to feel the full pain of elimination.

“When a match goes to penalties, the losing side always feels the harshness of going out of the competition,” Alonso told Sky Sports.

“The game against Liverpool was very even, but penalties make every outcome possible.”

Cody Gakpo scored Liverpool’s goal, while Morgan Rogers was on target for Chelsea during normal time. The match remained level at 1-1 after 90 minutes before Liverpool prevailed in the shootout.

Alonso felt Chelsea had shown enough quality to compete at Anfield and had limited Liverpool’s opportunities.

“The players performed well enough to compete at Anfield,” he said. “The match was extremely even.

“We did not allow Liverpool to create many chances, but that is football and it is part of our job. We showed the level required to play in stadiums like this.”

Liverpool’s victory means Chelsea have now been eliminated by them six times in the history of their English League Cup appearances, more than by any other club.

Despite the disappointment, Alonso said Chelsea’s main priority remained the Premier League.

“The Premier League remains our biggest and primary focus,” he added.

Chelsea have little time to recover, with their next match scheduled for an early start on Saturday.

“We do not have much time to recover,” Alonso said. “Our next game is early on Saturday, so we have to change our mindset and quickly focus on the next challenge.”

The quarter-final draw has produced a number of high-profile ties, with Liverpool set to face Bournemouth in what is regarded as the standout fixture of the last-eight stage.