Steve Nicol talked about how Alisson helped the team win the FA Cup. (1:45) In their pursuit of the quadruple,Liverpool are leaving absolutely nothing out on the field. It is now two down, two to go, after a second cup final penalty shoot out win against Chelsea this season. Time will tell as to the full cost of this victory over Thomas Tuchel's side, which saw Chelsea earn the unenviable distinction of becoming the first team in history to win a game after losing a player to injury. There were mentality monsters in blue as well. In the end, there was only one winner and that was us today. I couldn't be more proud of my boys, how hard they fought and how shift they put in. - Report: Liverpool win FA Cup, beating Chelsea on penalties
- WATCH: Tsimikas converts winning penalty for Liverpool (U.S.)
- Video: Liverpool's Jordan Henderson lifts FA Cup at Wembley
History tends to forget the winners, and the failure to win again will be drowned out by a red tide of praise. Even if they don't win a trophy this season, they have already achieved a domestic cup double, a feat they last achieved in 2001, and they also won a major European trophy by beating Spanish club Alaves.
The team is on course to repeat the cup treble by beating Real Madrid in the final in Paris on May 28, but before then, they could lay the groundwork for an unprecedented quadruple by edging out Manchester City in the race for the title. That one is the most unlikely target to achieve. With two games left to play, City can move six points clear with a win at West Ham on Sunday, but no matter the result at the London Stadium, the players will need to win to keep their hopes alive.
The physical and emotional toll of this draining Wembley has just 72 hours for the team to recover. Do they have enough time to play, win and recover before their next challenge?
By the end of the extra time, the players could barely run. The penalties offered some form of physical relief because they were so exhausted by the demands of facing the outgoing European champion. Roberto Firmino was brought in seven minutes into extra time to replace Luis Diaz, who had six attempts on goal, and Andy Robertson was replaced by Tsimikas.
It was significant that they withdrew at Wembley because it showed that their manager was cautious not to push them too far and risk them being injured when they face Real in Paris. That fate has already beenfallen Fabinho, who missed this game because of a hamstring strain suffered in the win at Villa, but he will be fit to face Real.
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On Sunday, May 15.
• Cadiz vs. Real Madrid (1:30 p.m. ET)
• Atletico Madrid vs. Sevilla (1:30 p.m. ET)
• Getafe vs. Barcelona (1:30 p.m. ET)
• Villarreal vs. Real Sociedad (1:30 p.m. ET)
• Real Betis vs. Granada (1:30 p.m. ET)
There will be concerns over the two players. Without them in Paris, it would be a hammer blow to the team. They might be needed at both Wolves andSouthampton if they win the final game of the season next Sunday.
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If the stakes are so high that the manager simply has to, then he is a sensible manager and he won't risk his best players. They are all must-win games, but players can push their physical and psychological limits only so far, and the situation with Fabinho, Salah and Van Dijk is a testament to that.
In an attempt to play down concerns over his centre-half, Klopp said that he thinks Virgil is fine, but his muscle was hurt.
Even if they are able to run out atSouthampton on Tuesday, their muscles and minds are starting to feel the heat, so everything is a risk for Klopp. Even though they are clinging onto the quadruple, they still have some control.
They could be two weeks from history. Two down, two to go, but the next two are the hardest to win, especially with injuries beginning to pile up.
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