Liverpool beat Southampton, book semi-final spot in Carabao Cup

Darwin Núñez put Liverpool on course for victory over Southampton, helping Arne Slot’s side secure a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.

Núñez, breaking a six-game goal drought, and Harvey Elliott struck in the first half to give Liverpool a commanding lead. Southampton’s Cameron Archer later scored to reignite hopes for the hosts, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their exit.

The match marked Southampton’s first under interim manager Simon Rusk, following Russell Martin’s dismissal after a crushing 5-0 defeat to Tottenham.

Despite a bright start, Southampton fell behind in the 24th minute. Trent Alexander-Arnold showcased skill and composure to evade two pressing attackers before threading a pass—deflected heavily off Jan Bednarek—to Núñez.

The Uruguayan capitalized on Alex McCarthy’s slip, slotting the ball beyond the goalkeeper’s reach.

Eight minutes later, Harvey Elliott doubled Liverpool’s lead. The England U21 international, making his first start of the season, fired a deflected shot into the bottom corner after being set up by Cody Gakpo.

With a two-goal cushion, Liverpool made halftime changes, substituting Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez for Konstantinos Tsimikas and Federico Chiesa. However, Southampton clawed their way back into the game in the second half.

Just before the hour mark, Archer ran unchallenged from midfield and curled a sensational shot into the far corner past Caoimhin Kelleher, cutting Liverpool’s lead to 2-1.

Southampton gained momentum, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis making a crucial goal-line clearance to deny Chiesa, but they struggled to find an equalizer.

In the dying moments, they appealed for a free-kick after Mateus Fernandes was challenged by Jarell Quansah near the box, but referee Simon Hooper waved play on.

Liverpool held firm to progress, joining Arsenal, Newcastle, and the winner of Thursday’s clash between Tottenham and Manchester United in the semi-finals.