Gakpo scores twice as defending champions Liverpool beat Brighton to progress

Cody Gakpo scored twice to help defending champions Liverpool reach the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a thrilling win at Brighton.

After a goalless and largely forgettable first half, Dutch striker Gakpo impressively broke the deadlock a minute after the break, cutting inside and then firing an unstoppable shot into the net.

The goal enlivened the game and goalkeeper Vítezslav Jaros, making his full debut for the Reds, made a brilliant one-handed save to deny Simon Adingra's header moments later.

Evan Ferguson then shot over the bar but Liverpool had a golden chance to score a second as the visitors broke through three on one, but Gakpo unselfishly opted for a pass to Dominik Szoboszlai and his effort was blocked by the recovering defense blocked by Brighton.

However, Gakpo didn't miss his second goal when a mistake from Tariq Lamptey allowed him to run unhindered into the penalty area and fire the ball into the goal.

Brighton pressed forward in the closing stages and conceded as Liverpool capitalized on defensive errors and Adingra halved the deficit.

That delighted the home fans, but Luis Diaz ensured Liverpool progress when he scored their third goal in the 81st minute despite a late deflected finish from Lamptey.

The draw for the quarter-finals will take place later on Wednesday evening.