The captain of the Reds scored a decisive goal deep into extra time to secure the club its 10th title in the competition, extending its record.
Van Dijk’s header in the 118th minute, from Tsimikas’ corner, came after both teams had hit the woodwork and had goals disallowed for offside, along with several other chances, in earlier action.
Liverpool made an impressive start, applying long spells of pressure on the Chelsea backline.
After early long-range efforts, both goalkeepers made crucial interventions.
Petrovic saved a low drive from Diaz inside the area after Gakpo capitalized on a defensive slip.
At the other end, Kelleher made a brilliant save to deny Palmer from close range after a clearance of a Gallagher cross fell to him.
Midway through the period, Gravenberch was stretchered off following a challenge from Caicedo, and Gomez came on as a replacement.
Chelsea had the ball in the net in the 32nd minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review.
Liverpool came close to scoring just before half-time, with Gakpo’s header hitting the post and the rebound cleared.
The final chance of the half fell to Bradley, whose shot from inside the box was blocked.
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Chelsea had a good opportunity early in the second half, but Fernandez was unable to convert from Gallagher’s pass.
Elliott’s volley from a Gakpo cross was pushed away by Petrovic.
On the hour mark, Van Dijk headed in a free-kick from Robertson, but the goal was disallowed after a VAR review deemed Endo offside in the build-up.
The game became more open, with Disasi missing a chance for Chelsea and Gallagher’s flick off a Palmer cross hitting the post.
Gomez tested Petrovic with a powerful shot, while Kelleher made several crucial saves late in the game.
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Petrovic saved a close-range header from Danns, while Elliott fired into the side-netting.
Kelleher saved a curler from Madueke and Tsimikas tested Petrovic.
Elliott had a golden chance to score, but his header was saved by Petrovic’s feet.
In the dying moments of extra time, Van Dijk scored the winning goal with a header from Tsimikas’ corner, securing the trophy for Liverpool.
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Credit: Liverpool FC