NewsRoad to Wembley: How Liverpool and Chelsea reached Carabao Cup final

Second round

Due to their participation in this season's Europa League, the Reds were handed a bye in the second round of the Carabao Cup, entering a stage later than the Blues.

Chelsea's run began with a home tie at Stamford Bridge against League Two's AFC Wimbledon, in which they prevailed 2-1.

A James Tilley opener from the penalty spot gave the visitors a shock first-half lead, but goals from Noni Madueke – who also netted from 12 yards – and Enzo Fernandez ensured passage into the next round for Mauricio Pochettino's men.

Third round

Liverpool received a home draw as they entered the competition for the first time in September.

Jürgen Klopp's team welcomed Leicester City to Anfield in a game that is most remembered for a stunning Dominik Szoboszlai goal.

The No.8's effort would go on to win the club's Goal of the Month award, as the Reds sealed a 3-1 victory having fallen behind in just the third minute to the Foxes.

Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota also got on the scoresheet in the second half, with Hungary international Szoboszlai describing his thump in front of the Kop as "very special" post-match.

Chelsea, meanwhile, saw off Brighton & Hove Albion 1-0, again at Stamford Bridge, with Nicolas Jackson netting in the 50th minute.

Fourth round

In November, the Blues were drawn at home once more, seeing off Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers in the capital with Benoit Badiashile and Raheem Sterling scoring in either half.

Liverpool were sent on a trip to the south coast to take on fellow Premier League side AFC Bournemouth and needed a sprinkling of magic amid a battling performance at Vitality Stadium in tricky conditions.

Gakpo was on hand to put Liverpool in front, though the Cherries fought back and levelled through Justin Kluivert.

With the game in the balance, substitute Darwin Nunez provided the decisive moment, cutting inside from the left flank to bend a wonderful curler into the top of the net.

Klopp reflected afterwards: "It's a top, top, top cup game. It's all about winning, it's all about getting through. Both teams wanted it, everybody can expect that from the home team, but I saw my team as well – how hard we really wanted it, and I am really happy about that."

Quarter-finals

Both teams were paired with Premier League opposition in the last eight of the tournament. Liverpool hosted West Ham United at Anfield, while Chelsea took on Newcastle United at Stamford Bridge.

The Reds were emphatic against the Hammers, claiming an impressive 5-1 victory with a place in the semi-finals never in doubt.

Szoboszlai thumped an effort home that was followed by further goals from Curtis Jones (two), Gakpo and Mohamed Salah in a dominant display.

Chelsea, meanwhile, were seconds away from exiting the competition, owing to a Callum Wilson goal in the opening half.

But the Blues found a leveller via Mykhailo Mudryk in the 92nd minute, before going on to claim a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout victory, Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, Christopher Nkunku and Mudryk all netting from the spot.

Semi-finals

Liverpool, Chelsea, Fulham and Middlesbrough were the teams left to fight for a place at Wembley in January. The Reds were drawn against the Cottagers and the Blues clashed with Championship team Boro in the two-legged semi-finals.

Pochettino's charges were edged out 1-0 in the first leg at Riverside Stadium, seeing a Hayden Hackney strike consign them to defeat.

They turned the tie on its head on home soil, however, eventually earning an emphatic 6-2 win over Michael Carrick's side and securing passage to Wembley.

Liverpool first hosted Fulham at Anfield and were required to come from behind to gain an important advantage for the Craven Cottage return.

Willian put the visitors ahead on the night, only for two goals within three minutes of the second half from Jones and Gakpo to give the Reds a slender aggregate lead.

Luis Diaz's opener settled any early nerves when the sides met again, though Issa Diop's equaliser 13 minutes from full-time required Klopp's charges to see it out late on.

"It is fantastic. We had the experience before, so we know what to expect. Again, it's Chelsea, wow, what a story that is," Klopp reflected on the achievement.

"You should never take for granted if you are part of the team who can qualify for trophies. It is so perfect. Wembley is a special place, and I am really happy for everyone involved they can have that experience."

• Follow the Carabao Cup final with a free MyLFC account on LFCTV GO – including pre-match build-up from Wembley, live audio commentary of the game, a full match replay on Sunday evening, and more.