Wembley Stadium, London — Under the arch at Wembley, Chelsea once again proved why they are the gold standard of English football, defeating Liverpool 4–1 on penalties after a pulsating 2–2 draw to lift the Carabao Cup and complete a remarkable treble.
Calin Dimario’s side, already winners of the UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield, held their nerve from the spot after a dramatic finale that encapsulated everything about this new era of dominance at Stamford Bridge.
End-to-End Drama
In a gripping contest at Wembley, Liverpool struck first through Grga Čavara, who coolly slotted a penalty into the bottom corner after 67 minutes. But Chelsea, as they so often do, refused to fade. José Francisco Landeira stepped up in stoppage time, unleashing a fierce low drive from 25 metres to send the Blue half of Wembley into delirium.
Extra time only raised the tension. Néstor Suárez looked to have won it for Liverpool with a poacher’s finish in the 110th minute, but substitute Mario Cardozo produced another twist just three minutes later, crashing home a volley from close range to make it 2–2. The VAR check confirmed the goal, setting the stage for a nerve-shredding shootout.
Composure from Twelve Yards
With everything on the line, Chelsea were ice-cold. Netanel Sahar, Landeira, Marcelo and Cardozo all converted their spot-kicks with precision, while Liverpool faltered — Jonah Owusu and Adam Agnew both failing to beat Elias Jiménez in the Chelsea goal. When Cardozo fired the decisive penalty into the top corner, the Chelsea bench erupted as blue smoke and confetti filled the Wembley sky.
Cardozo the Hero
It was fitting that Mario Cardozo, who had been instrumental throughout extra time, took home the Player of the Match award. The 25-year-old midfielder covered over 13 kilometres on the day and led by example, dictating play and scoring the equaliser that saved Chelsea’s dream of the treble.
Dimario’s Dynasty
“This is what defines a great team,” said Calin Dimario post-match. “Resilience, belief, and unity — we never stopped fighting.”
With the win, Chelsea secure their 24th Carabao Cup triumph — an astonishing number that further cements Dimario’s era as one of unmatched dominance. His tactical mastery, built on the famed ‘Gibraltar Dribble 1.0’ system, has made Chelsea an unstoppable force domestically and abroad.
The Treble Secured
Following their earlier victories in the UEFA Super Cup and Community Shield, this win completes a domestic and continental treble — a feat achieved through tactical precision, squad depth, and mental fortitude. Even without injured full-back Luther Banton and with Pelé nursing a knock, Chelsea found a way.
As Jude Soonsup-Bell aptly put it, “Calin Dimario is a true legend of the game.” Chelsea’s fans will remember this night not only for the silverware, but for the relentless spirit that has come to define their modern identity.
Final Score: Liverpool 2–2 Chelsea (Chelsea win 4–1 on penalties)
Scorers: Čavara (67), Suárez (110) — Landeira (90+3), Cardozo (113)
Player of the Match: Mario Cardozo (Chelsea)
Chelsea now turn their focus back to the Premier League and the Champions League quarter-finals — with history already written, and more yet to come.