Liverpool Suffer a Heavy 0-3 Defeat to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup 2025/2026
Mansion Sports – Liverpool endured a disappointing evening at Anfield after falling 0-3 to Crystal Palace in the fourth round of the 2025/2026 Carabao Cup.
The visitors secured their victory through two goals from Ismaila Sarr in the 41st and 45th minutes, followed by a late strike from Yeremy Pino in the 88th minute.
Fielding a youthful lineup, Arne Slot’s side struggled to cope with the discipline and efficiency of Oliver Glasner’s Palace, who executed their tactical plan to perfection with quick transitions and compact defending.
The result sent Crystal Palace into the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup, while Liverpool’s domestic struggles continued.
First Half
The match began with high intensity as Liverpool’s young players pressed aggressively from the start. Rio Ngumoha and Milos Kerkez were active on the left flank, supporting Federico Chiesa, who led the attack.
Despite controlling possession, Liverpool’s early dominance failed to produce clear chances.
Crystal Palace gradually found their rhythm, with Daichi Kamada dictating play in midfield and wingers Ismaila Sarr and Yeremy Pino threatening with their pace on the counter.
Their first major opportunity came through Will Hughes, who fired a volley from Pino’s cross, but goalkeeper Freddie Woodman made a crucial save.
Liverpool had a golden opportunity shortly after when Chiesa broke free inside the box and fired toward the near post, only to be denied by Walter Benitez.
However, the hosts’ momentum faded as Palace began to take control of possession and looked increasingly confident.
The breakthrough arrived in the 41st minute when Kamada’s through ball slipped past Joe Gomez and Juan Muñoz, allowing Sarr to calmly place the ball into the bottom right corner.
Four minutes later, Palace doubled their lead with a quick combination between Kamada, Pino, and Sarr, who finished clinically to make it 2-0.
Liverpool’s attempts to respond before halftime fell flat, with just one shot on target during the entire first half. The opening period ended with Crystal Palace leading 2-0 under the pouring rain at Anfield.
Second Half
After the break, Liverpool tried to regain control but found themselves increasingly frustrated. Arne Slot introduced young players Amara Nallo, Kaide Gordon, and Wellity Lucky to inject energy, yet Palace maintained composure and dominated transitions.
Substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta added pressure in attack, forcing Gomez and Robertson to stay alert.
Meanwhile, Pino and Sarr continued to torment Liverpool’s defense with their relentless pace and movement.
Palace nearly scored again in the 60th minute when Sarr, aiming for his hat-trick, unleashed a long-range effort that Woodman managed to stop.
Liverpool’s few chances through Ngumoha and Chiesa were neutralized by Palace’s organized defensive line.
Liverpool’s night worsened in the 79th minute when Amara Nallo brought down Justin Devenny in a one-on-one situation.
The referee showed a straight red card, leaving the hosts to play the remainder of the match with ten men.
Capitalizing on their numerical advantage, Palace controlled possession and patiently waited for an opening.
Their third goal came in the 88th minute when Jefferson Lerma intercepted a pass in midfield and quickly released Pino.
The Spanish winger dribbled into the box before firing a precise low shot past Woodman, sealing a commanding 3-0 victory for the visitors.
Liverpool came close to scoring a consolation goal in stoppage time when Kaide Gordon’s header narrowly missed the target.
The final whistle confirmed Crystal Palace’s dominant performance and Liverpool’s exit from the competition.