Darwin Nunez’s Dramatic Overtime Winner Lifts Liverpool past Bournemouth 3-2 and into the EFL Cup Quarterfinals

After a 2-1 win at Bournemouth, Liverpool advanced to the quarterfinals of the Carabao Cup, where they will meet West Ham thanks to a sensational goal from substitute Darwin Nunez. After Ionut Radu mishandled Harvey Elliott’s 20-yard attempt, Cody Gakpo scored from close range to give the Reds the lead before halftime.

With only three changes from Saturday’s victory against Burnley, the Cherries fielded an almost full-strength team. However, they did not play to their potential until after halftime, when they rightfully leveled the score on a header by Justin Kluivert off a corner. Six minutes later, Nunez would score the deciding goal after cutting in from the left and lifting a sublime shot over Radu.

How did Liverpool squeak into the quarterfinals?

Despite the apocalyptic weather at the Vitality Stadium, both teams rode the wave of enthusiasm from their weekend victories to produce an exciting match on the south coast. When Bournemouth first showed their hand, Kluivert was stopped by Caoimhin Kelleher at close range, and the hosts were relieved when the rebound was cleared away.

The Cherries should have heeded the warning shot Harvey Elliott took at Radu from long range, but instead, the game’s first goal came from his follow-up strike. The Romanian keeper could not stop Gakpo’s writhing drive, and the ball entered the goal. After halftime, Bournemouth came out with renewed vigor and came close to scoring twice before scoring the game-tying goal. Liverpool’s Joe Gomez cleared a corner from Scott off the line, but the home team still posed a threat.

Not so lucky on the following delivery from the ex-Bristol City midfielder, as Kluivert got his head on the ball and forced it home from a couple of yards away. The hosts’ joy was short-lived. Eight minutes after coming off the bench, Nunez’s stunning strike from wide was negated by Smith’s substantial holding on the right. Liverpool advanced to the quarterfinals to avenge their elimination in the fourth round the previous year at the hands of Manchester City. 

What’s Next?

On Saturday at 3 pm, Bournemouth will take on Premier League champions Manchester City. Sunday at 4 pm (live on Sky Sports) is Liverpool’s league match against Luton at Kenilworth Road. So, to get more info and updates at all times, you can check LiveCasinoReports or turn to this site!