Scandal in the Carabao Cup final: was it offside in Chelsea's goal vs Liverpool?

Liverpool and Chelsea are starring in the most interesting match of the weekend in European soccer. They are facing each other at Wembley Stadium for the final of the Carabao Cup, England's third most important tournament. Fans of both teams filled the stands with the expectation not only to see their club celebrate the first title of the season, but also to enjoy a great spectacle.

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And both teams have lived up to expectations. On the field, the differences between the two teams have not been noticeable, considering that Liverpool are the leaders of the Premier League and Chelsea are much further down the table. The Reds' injuries to important players, such as Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Darwin Nuñez, have surely played a key role in this. In addition, during the first half Ryan Gravenberch also had to be replaced due to an ankle problem.

Against this backdrop, Chelsea had a few chances to score. One of the most important was a play in which Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling were inside the box and tried to shoot, but were blocked by the rival defenders and goalkeeper. Liverpool also had their chances, the most dangerous of which was a header by Cody Gakpo that hit the post.

However, the highlight of the first half was a VAR decision. On 31 minutes, when Palmer gave a pass to Jackson, who ran several yards with the ball and sent a drilled cross to Sterling, who scored the opener. But that play was later reviewed and the final decision was to disallow the goal, even though the TV replays gave the impression that Jackson was in a valid position.

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What will happen after the break?

Now the coaches will have the opportunity to make changes for the second half. Jurgen Klopp has Adrian, Konstantinos Tsimikas, Jarell Quansah, Clark, McConnell, Koumas, Danns and Nyoni on the bench. And Mauricio Pochettino has these substitutes: Robert Sanchez, Bettinelli, Trevoh Chalobah, Gee, Alfie Gilchrist, Taurianien, Noni Madueke, Mijailo Mudryk and Christopher Nkunku.