Philippe Coutinho rescued Liverpool from the brink Sunday to force extra time, but his final effort proved fruitless in a heartbreaking loss on penalty kicks to Manchester City in the Capital One Cup.
In a day filled with drama at London’s Wembley Stadium, Manchester City struck first when Fernandinho put his team in front with a strong finish in the 49th minute.
Another look at the big goal, @MCFC lead @LFC 1-0! #CapitalOneCupFinal https://t.co/lMavT6gt5U
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) February 28, 2016
With fewer than 10 minutes remaining in normal time, however, Coutinho came through for the Reds to tie the score at 1-1.
GOOOOOAL! @LFC are back in it, they're level! What DRAMA. @Phil_Coutinho slams home. 1-1. #CapitalOneCupFinal https://t.co/6aLqpG7dD6
What do you think? Leave a comment.— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) February 28, 2016
Coutinho’s 83rd-minute strike would hold through extra time, leaving the battle of the Premier League teams to be decided by penalty kicks.
Things got off to a promising start for the Reds, as Emre Can deposited his chance and Fernandinho’s first attempt for City hit the post.
GOAL! Can steps up and scores for @LFC. #CapitalOneCupFinal https://t.co/npem7PqMWr
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) February 28, 2016
But that’s when reserve goalkeeper Willy Caballero stole the spotlight, stopping Lucas Leiva, Coutinho and Adam Lallana on consecutive chances to turn the tide.
SAVED! Lucas misses for @LFC. #CapitalOneCupFinal https://t.co/ZCXUqHrQ30
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) February 28, 2016
SAVED! Coutinho misses as he hesitates. #CapitalOneCupFinal https://t.co/1R1BRbhOvl
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) February 28, 2016
SAVED! Lallana. CABALLERO saves the day AGAIN! #CapitalOneCupFinal https://t.co/kz4K0ZPcrx
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) February 28, 2016
On the other end, Jesus Navas and Sergio Aguero expertly slotted their chances past Liverpool keeper Simon Mignolet, setting up Yaya Toure to deliver the dagger.
GOAL! @JNavas scores! #CapitalOneCupFinal https://t.co/YjUVUirWcA
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) February 28, 2016
GOAL!!! KUUUUUUUUUUN @aguerosergiokun SCORES! #CapitalOneCupFinal https://t.co/4G6k2wgZBv
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) February 28, 2016
GOOOOOOAAAAL!!! @MCFC WIN THE CAPITAL ONE CUP! #CapitalOneCupFinal https://t.co/IHeZvyQ8b9
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) February 28, 2016
Thumbnail photo via Tim Ireland/Associated Press