Cody Gakpo’s decisive goal helps Liverpool overcome a deficit and gain the upper hand in the Carabao Cup semi-final, emerging victorious with a 2-1 win over Fulham.

Cody Gakpo and Curtis Jones were the heroes for Liverpool as they staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Fulham 2-1 in the first leg of a thrilling League Cup semi-final at Anfield. The match was a hard-fought battle, with both teams giving their all on the pitch.

Fulham started the game strongly and took the lead in the 19th minute thanks to a mistake by Virgil van Dijk, which allowed Willian to score a well-placed shot. The visitors frustrated Liverpool for large parts of the game, making it difficult for the Merseysiders to create scoring opportunities.

Liverpool, missing the creative spark of the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half. They failed to test Fulham’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno, and looked lackluster in their attacking play.

However, the game turned on its head in the second half. Bobby De Cordova-Reid had a golden opportunity to double Fulham’s lead, but he failed to convert it. This proved to be a pivotal moment as Liverpool seized the momentum and fought their way back into the game.

In a span of just three minutes, Curtis Jones scored a fortuitous equalizer with a deflected 20-yard strike. Then, substitutes Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo combined brilliantly, with Gakpo finishing off a superb first-time shot to give Liverpool the lead.

Fulham fought hard to find an equalizer, but Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno, made a stunning save to deny Nunez a goal late in the game. The Reds were determined to increase their advantage heading into the second leg at Craven Cottage on January 24.

Liverpool’s next match is on January 21, when they face Bournemouth in the Premier League. Fulham, on the other hand, will visit Chelsea this Saturday for a lunchtime clash.