Gakpo’s Brace Sends Liverpool Into Carabao Cup Quarter-Finals With Thrilling Win Over Brighton.
Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo scored twice to secure a 3-2 Carabao Cup victory over Brighton, propelling the holders into the quarter-finals in a hard-fought match at the Amex Stadium. The Dutch forward opened the scoring just a minute into the second half, cutting inside before unleashing a powerful strike that stunned Brighton’s defence and lit up the previously subdued encounter.
Making his full debut, Liverpool’s goalkeeper Vítezslav Jaros showcased his potential with a fantastic one-handed save to deny Simon Adingra’s header shortly after Gakpo’s opener. Brighton’s Evan Ferguson then missed an opportunity to equalise, firing over the crossbar in response.
Liverpool had a clear chance to extend their lead with a three-on-one counter-attack, but Gakpo opted to pass to Dominik Szoboszlai, whose shot was blocked by the resilient Brighton defence. However, Gakpo capitalised on a mistake by Brighton’s Tariq Lamptey to slot home his second, giving Liverpool a more comfortable 2-0 lead.
Brighton’s Adingra pulled a goal back after a Liverpool defensive slip, energising the home crowd as the match intensified. But Luis Diaz restored Liverpool’s control, scoring in the 81st minute to make it 3-1. Lamptey then managed a late deflected goal, yet it was not enough to derail Liverpool’s progress.
Liverpool will now prepare to face Southampton away in the quarter-finals in the week commencing 16 December.
