(VIDEO) Conor Bradley gets a standing ovation at Anfield and Klopp's bizarre congratulations after Fulham match

Jota and the introduction of Darwin and Gakpo led the way in the first leg of the League Cup semi-final. There is no stopping this Liverpool. The 'Reds' overcame Fulham (2-1), with a comeback, in the first leg of the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup (League Cup) and keep alive the (still distant) dream of the poker. They are top of the Premiership, qualified for the last 16 and last 16 of the FA Cup and Europa League... and are only two steps away from winning the Carabao Cup.

Fulham's Brazilian connection (Andreas Pereira-Willian) was at work again. The former Chelsea and Arsenal man became, according to Opta, the oldest player (35 years and 154 days) to score in a League Cup semi-final since Fernandinho (35 and 247) in 2021. It could have been even worse for Pool. Van Dijk, who had been booked in the 24th minute for a handball on Andreas Pereira, could have been shown a second yellow in the 33rd minute for stamping on Raul Jimenez.

What made the difference were Klopp's changes after the break: in the 56th minute he brought on Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo in place of Harvey Elliott and Ryan Gravenberch. The 'perfect storm', however, was led by Diogo Jota. Both goals - both within three minutes of each other - came from his boots. In the 1-1, in the 68th minute, he recovered the ball and fought for Darwin to give the ball to Curtis Jones. The 'Reds' youth product hit a shot from outside the area that went in with a bit of luck.

Klopp's congratulations

Credit to Conor Bradley he did really well tonight. Made the most tackles on the pitch (6).⁠ ⁠Won the most duels for Liverpool (9).⁠ ⁠Won the most fouls (2).⁠ ⁠Made the second most recoveries for Liverpool (6). This performance brought a standing ovation from Anfield for the Academy player and the odd congratulations from Jurgen Klopp.

(8) AsimLFC en X: "WE’RE CONOR BE FINE ❤️ #LFC #LIVFUL https://t.co/cxOxEMg0rN" / X (twitter.com)