Liverpool booked their place in the next round of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 victory over Southampton at Anfield, in a match that saw big-money signing Alexander Isak open his account for the club.

The Swedish striker struck in the 43rd minute after the visitors made a mess of playing out from the back. Federico Chiesa pounced on the loose ball and squared for Isak, who made no mistake from close range to put the Reds ahead.

Late drama from Ekitike

The tie was eventually settled by Hugo Ekitike in the 85th minute, but the Frenchman’s match-winning moment was immediately overshadowed by controversy. Having already been booked, Ekitike whipped off his shirt in celebration – earning a second yellow card and a red. Liverpool, however, held on with ten men to secure the win.

2025-26, EFL Cup

Liverpool - Southampton 2:1 (1:0)
Goals: Isak, 43 (1:0); Charles Sh., 76 (1:1); Ekitike, 85 (2:1)

Liverpool: Mamardashvili; Gomez; Endo W.; Leoni (Kerkez M., 81); Robertson A.; Frimpong J.; Chiesa F.; Jones Cur. (Bradley C., 57); Nyoni; Ngumoha (Danns, 75); Isak (Ekitike, 46)
Substitution: Ekitike (from 46 till 86); Bradley C. (from 57); Danns (from 75); Kerkez M. (from 81)
Bench: Woodman; Williams Rh.; Gordon Ka.
Yellow Cards: Ekitike 53, 86
Red cards: Ekitike 86'

Southampton: McCarthy A.; Edwards Ro. (Stewart R., 88); Wood N.; Quarshie; Jelert (Fellows, 88); Manning; Downes; Jander (Charles Sh., 51); Scienza (Robinson Jay, 62); Armstrong A.; Archer C. (Downs, 51)
Substitution: Charles Sh. (from 51); Downs (from 51); Robinson Jay (from 62); Fellows (from 88); Stewart R. (from 88)
Bench: Long G.; Harwood-Bellis; Fraser; Matsuki
Yellow Cards: Archer C. 45; Manning 90