Liverpool staged a comeback to defeat Fulham 2-1 in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final. Curtis Jones and Cody Gakpo scored two goals in three minutes during the second half to secure the win.

Despite missing Mohamed Salah and the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool dominated the early part of the match, creating chances through Curtis Jones and Diogo Jota.

However, Fulham surprised them with an opening goal when Virgil Van Dijk’s header allowed Pereira to set up Willian, who scored with composure.

Although Liverpool fell behind, Curtis Jones equalized with a long-range shot deflected off Tosin Adarabioyo. The team struggled to regain composure, and Van Dijk received a yellow card for a challenge on Pereira.

Fulham performed well, but Liverpool completed the turnaround with a second goal from substitutes Darwin Nunez and Gakpo.

The victory gives Liverpool an advantage for the second leg at Craven Cottage on January 24, keeping them on track in their pursuit of four trophies this season.

Middlesbrough beat Chelsea in Carabao Cup semi-final first leg

Middlesbrough secured a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at the Riverside Stadium in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final.

Hayden Hackney’s first-half goal gave Michael Carrick’s Championship side a one-goal lead, delighting the home crowd.

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Despite dominating possession, Mauricio Pochettino’s team failed to find an equalizer, resulting in their fifth away defeat in six matches.

With this win, Middlesbrough holds a one-goal advantage heading into the second leg, leaving Chelsea with work to do to reach the Wembley final.