It was a night to remember for teenager Ben Woodburn. The 17-year-old eclipsed Michael Owen as Liverpool’s youngest goalscorer as the Reds edged past Championship side Leeds United in the EFL Cup quarter-finals at Anfield.
The Premier League hosts huffed and puffed before Divock Origi stole behind the Leeds defence to sweep in Trent Alexander-Arnold’s right-wing cross from close range.
They secured a place in the last four when Wales Under-19 international Woodburn, aged 17 years and 45 days, fired in the second.
Liverpool hit a post through Georginio Wijnaldum shortly before the opener, but the scoreline was somewhat harsh on the Yorkshire side.
Leeds winger Kemar Roofe curled against the inside of a post shortly after half-time.
Hadi Sacko spurned a good opportunity for the visitors in the opening 10 minutes, and Kyle Bartley nodded a free header wide after the break.
Without that attacking threat, the home side lacked fluency and potency in the final third until they clicked in the final 15 minutes to reach a record 17th League Cup semi-final.
However, a laboured night was capped when Woodburn – on as a second-half substitute having made his debut on Saturday against Sunderland – beat Owen’s record by 98 days.
It was a special moment for the youngster in front of the Kop and former England striker Owen, who was watching from the main stand.
Every one of Woodburn’s outfield team-mates came to celebrate the historic moment as Anfield saluted their latest star.
Liverpool will find out who they play in the semi-finals when the draw is made after Wednesday’s matches.
