Liverpool edged past Chelsea in a Carabao Cup penalty shootout at Anfield, booking their place in the quarterfinals and sending the visitors home empty-handed once again.

It marked yet another frustrating evening for Chelsea at Anfield, with the shootout drama extending a rivalry that has produced some memorable cup contests in recent seasons. Liverpool held their nerve when it mattered most, converting enough spot-kicks to seal a hard-earned passage to the last eight.

The result also carried a personal dimension — it was the third time that former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has suffered defeat as a manager at Anfield. The Spanish coach, who made his name at the club before going on to a distinguished playing career and subsequent managerial success elsewhere, was unable to claim a landmark result on his former home ground.

Liverpool's advancement sets up an intriguing quarterfinal draw as the competition enters its business end. The Reds will now look ahead to discovering their next opponents as the Carabao Cup continues to thin out its field of contenders.