Fulham vs Liverpool LIVE: Carabao Cup result, final score and reaction as Reds punch ticket to Wembley

And so it will be a repeat of two years ago, Liverpool and Chelsea in the first domestic cup final of the season, silverware on offer for two teams rebuilding - albeit from rather different points and in very different ways - and another day out at Wembley for two sets of fans who know that stadium almost as well as their own.

For the Reds, their place in the Carabao Cup final comes courtesy of a second-leg 1-1 draw at Fulham, yielding a 3-2 aggregate scoreline.

Because that’s what Fulham were up against here: not just a team of the calibre of Liverpool, but also the odds and the structure of this very competition. Even if underdogs, mid-table Premier League teams or indeed lower-league sides - see Middlesbrough - reach this stage, the last four, there’s an altogether different obstacle to overcome. Competing with the top-flight’s finest is tough enough, but teams can of course do so. Across 90 minutes, at least. But the more often you have to face them, the less likely it is you prevail on multiple occasions.

Analysis at full-time from The Independent’s Karl Matchett at Craven Cottage:

That’s all from us tonight after a nervy encounter in west London. It’s Liverpool who prevail and they will be eyeing up a record-extending tenth trophy next month against Chelsea. What a cracker that promises to be.

Thanks for tuning in - until next time!

“I have to be proud of the way we played most of the games in this competition; the way the players fought until the end with our commitment and desire. Overall, it was not our best performance at all - we didn’t perform at our usual level at home. Probably too emotional for the game.

“When you concede a goal so early, it’s more difficult to settle the way we wanted and planned. Liverpool performed better than us but our commitment was always there.

“We tried until the end. After our goal it became a proper cup tie and emotional; as well. We hit the woodwork but unfortunately didn’t score again and Liverpool go through to the final.

“We were not clinical, even the game away from home. In these types of games and these types of sides you have to be ruthless. We are always improving. Last season our Carabao Cup journey was not good at all. We have to grow and get used to these types of moments.”

So, it will be Liverpool vs Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final next month. Klopp goes in search of yet more silverware while Pochettino looks for a trophy in his first season back in the Premier League.

These two sides also met just two years ago in the final of this competition, with Liverpool prevailing 10-11 on penalties after a 0-0 draw after extra-time.

“This was not the night to shine, this was the night to qualify for a final. You heard from Marco Silva how much reaching a final would mean for Fulham, we had to prove and we did.

“Everything great about the Carabao Cup final. Around that we have to be focused on all the other competitions as well and that is what we will do.

“It is so perfect. Wembley is a special place and I am really happy for everyone involved they can have that experience.”

“It’s fantastic, outstanding, fantastic for our people. Chelsea again - wow, what a story that is. But tonight I told the boys don’t ever take for granted being part of a football team that can win trophies. That means you have to qualify for the finals and we are obviously the lucky ones that are part of it.

“What the boys did tonight was exceptional again. I’m really happy with so many things and, in the end, the only thing that counts is that we are through and qualified.

“It’s a big night for the very young ones who have played an incredible role in the whole journey so it’s cool to see them in the dressing room now.”

All smiles for Liverpool at full-time:

Fulham nearly found their way back into the tie through Issa Diop’s second-half goal.

Here’s a look at it:

Jarrel Quansah speaking to Sky Sports: “It’s special, it’s unbelievable; you can’t ask for much more. We had to dig in tonight and we knew we would have to; they are a top side. It’s my first season here so happy to get to a final and try and win some silverware.

On building momentum ahead of the final: “It’s all about rhythm, you have to keep playing. I felt a bit rusty out there tonight having not played in a few weeks but it’s all about playing games.

“Doing it with Conor [Bradley] is special for me as well because I’ve played with him for almost ten years now. Sharing the pitch with him out here tonight was a special feeling.”

Virgin van Dijk speaking to Sky Sports: “We wanted to make sure we did the right things, Fulham played at home with a good atmosphere. it was the biggest game of their season and we had to be ready to fight, we started the game very well and scored a good goal. We created many chances to double the lead but, in the end, we found a way and go to Wembley. I can’t wait to see all our fans there again.”

On how Liverpool’s young defenders did: “The right-hand side didn’t have a lot of experience today [with Bradley and Quansah] but they did very well. I am proud of these guys and it is only the beginning for them. To go into a final with this performance is very good and only shows what kind of progress they have made.”