Darwin Nunez shines as Liverpool edge Southampton to reach Carabao Cup semis

Darwin Nunez finally got back on the scoresheet, leading Liverpool to the last four and deepening Southampton’s struggles. It’s been a rough patch for the Uruguayan—just one goal in 11 games—but he broke that slump with a composed finish. Moments later, Harvey Elliott added another, finishing off a clever move sparked by Cody Gakpo.

It looked like Liverpool were in for an easy night. But Southampton, sitting at the bottom of the table, had other ideas. Cameron Archer struck back with a confident finish to bring the Saints within one. They even had chances to level the game—Ben Brereton Diaz’s unmarked header? Straight at the keeper. Paul Onuachu’s late chance? Slipped.

Interim manager Simon Rusk, filling in after Russell Martin was sacked following a 5-0 hammering by Spurs, kept things steady with his lineup. The crowd, though? They let their frustrations show, ironically cheering every time the team managed to clear the ball.

Liverpool’s coach Arne Slot, watching from the stands due to a touchline ban, shuffled his squad heavily. Virgil van Dijk and Mo Salah didn’t even make the trip. Instead, it was 17-year-old Trey Nyoni who caught everyone’s attention, linking up impressively with Cody Gakpo in midfield.

Liverpool dominated the first half. Nunez opened the scoring after pouncing on a defensive blunder from Jan Bednarek. Then Elliott made it two, his deflected shot leaving Alex McCarthy with no chance.

The second half, though? Southampton came to life. Archer’s goal fired up the home side, and they piled on the pressure. Caoimhin Kelleher made a few key saves, and Jarell Quansah threw himself in front of a late shot to protect Liverpool’s lead.

The game wasn’t without drama. In stoppage time, Quansah appeared to pull down Fernandes as the last man, but the referee waved it away. Liverpool breathed a sigh of relief and saw out the win.

For Liverpool, it’s another step toward silverware. For Southampton, it’s another night of missed chances in a season full of them.