Cup triumph for Chelsea

Quickest goal
Liverpool held the lead for almost 80 minutes of the match, thanks to Norwegian international John Arne Riise’s left-foot volley after just 43 seconds, the fastest goal in League Cup final history.

Gerrard error
Chelsea dominated for much of the contest at the Millennium Stadium, but had to wait until eleven minutes from the end of normal time to get back on level terms. Paulo Ferreira’s free-kick was inadvertently flicked into his own net by Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard and after appearing to gesture in the direction of opposing supporters, Chelsea manager José Mourinho was dismissed from the dugout.

Mourinho dismissed
Chelsea claimed victory with two goals in the space of three extra-time minutes. Ivorian striker Didier Drogba put the Premiership leaders ahead on 107 minutes, controlling the ball and turning it in from close range. Mateja Kezman made it 3-1 three minutes later and although Antonio Núñez headed Liverpool's second, there was no late leveller.

European football
The victory, which brought Mourinho his first trophy as Chelsea manager, qualifies the London club for next season's UEFA Cup, although they look very likely to finish among the Premiership's UEFA Champions League qualification places. Should that happen, the sixth-placed finishers will take their UEFA Cup spot.