Dreams of a first all-Merseyside final since 1989 were dashed on Wednesday night, as our cross-city rivals Everton were beaten 3-1 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate by Manuel Pellegrini’s Manchester City side (via BBC).
After both ourselves and the Blues established first leg leads, there were hopes that we’d see the city travel to Wembley en-masse for the first time since the post-Hillsbrough FA Cup final.
Sadly, it wasn’t to be.
Ross Barkley put Everton ahead after just 18 minutes, but goals from Fernandinho, De Bruyne, and Aguero saw City emerge as winners.
The news will be a disappointment to Klopp, who earlier this week spoke about the potential of a great final between the two Merseyside clubs (via Echo).
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Pellegrini was bullish about his chances against us in his post-match interview:
“We have one month to think about the final. It will be a tough game and we are optimistic we will win the cup. It is important for the team to win a cup in February, it gives you a lot of trust.” (via BBC)
We suppose you were also “confident” that you’d beat us at the Etihad in late-November, weren’t you Manuel?!
The final will be played on 28th February.