Liverpool advanced to the Carabao Cup semifinals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Southampton at St Mary’s, as rare goals from Darwin Núñez and Harvey Elliott propelled the 10-time winners into the last four for a record 20th time.
The Reds, recovering from a surprising 2-2 Premier League draw with Fulham, showcased their depth under Arne Slot, who has transformed the team since replacing Jürgen Klopp. Slot, serving a touchline suspension, rested key players Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, making eight changes to the lineup.
Darwin Núñez broke his six-game scoring drought in the 24th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error by Jan Bednarek to finish Trent Alexander-Arnold’s setup. The goal marked only Núñez’s fourth in all competitions this season.
Elliott doubled the lead in the 32nd minute with a composed strike, netting his first goal of the season. Despite Southampton’s struggles, Cameron Archer’s brilliant curling effort in the 59th minute gave the home side hope.
Southampton’s frustrations peaked late in the match when a challenge by Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah on Mateus Fernandes went unpunished, sparking outrage from the hosts. Caretaker manager Simon Rusk, leading the team after Russell Martin’s dismissal, couldn’t prevent another defeat following their 5-0 drubbing by Tottenham.
Three teams have so far advanced to the semis of the Carabao Cup. Arsenal, Newcastle United, and Liverpool have so far booked an appearance at Wembley. Tottenham Hostpur take on Manchester united in the last quarter final game on Thursday.
