Liverpool survive 14-13 penalty shootout against Middlesbrough
Liverpool reached the fourth round of the League Cup on Wednesday (Sept 24, Singapore time) after winning a nerve-shredding penalty shoot-out against Middlesbrough.
How epic was it?
The final score was 14-13.
That's right, all 11 players took the penalties, even the goalkeepers.
Middlesbrough’s Albert Adomah brought the gripping penalty contest to an end when he fired wide after both teams had kept their nerve in sudden death, shattering the record for the longest shoot-out in the League Cup.
Albert Adomah penalty miss against Liverpool. Photo: AFP
RECORD BREAKERS
Liverpool, who looked a shadow of the team that finished second in the Premier League last season in the new campaign, twice took the lead against their lower league opponents.
But defensive errors meant they could not seal the deal and win the game in full time.
They had gone ahead through debutant Jordan Rossiter after 10 minutes but Adam Reach was allowed to head home unchallenged midway through the second half.
Spaniard Suso looked like he had given Liverpool victory with a low strike late in extra time.
But the hosts imploded with seconds remaining as Kolo Toure conceded a penalty after a terrible backpass from Raheem Sterling.
Suso looked to have given Liverpool the victory with his goal. Photo: Reuters
Boro’s Patrick Bamford scored from the resulting penalty with virtually the last kick of extra-time.
This set the ball rolling for the epic penalty shoot-out.
“It was very important to get a result and the players are very happy in the changing room. We’re in the hat and that’s all we want,” said a relieved Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.
Middlesbrough’s Spanish coach Aitor Karanka managed to strike an upbeat tone despite coming so close to causing a major upset.
“I told the players... I don’t have the words to tell them thank you because they were brilliant.”
Sources: Reuters, AFP
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