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.
With fewer than 10 minutes remaining in normal time, however, Coutinho came through for the Reds to tie the score at 1-1.
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.
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.
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.
Thumbnail photo via Tim Ireland/Associated Press
