Chelsea have recovered from their shock defeat against Bradford City to book their place in the League Cup final by beating Liverpool 1-0 in their last-four clash at Stamford Bridge this evening.
The two teams had drawn 1-1 in last week's first leg at Anfield, but an extra-time goal from Branislav Ivanovic sealed a 2-1 aggregate win that has set up a Wembley clash against either Tottenham Hotspur or Sheffield United.
Diego Costa was involved in a contentious moment early on when he appeared to stamp on Emre Can, but it was not spotted by the officials.
The match was being played at a frantic pace and Raheem Sterling almost found himself through on goal, before a last-ditch challenge on Kurt Zouma stopped him in his tracks.
Moments later Chelsea were attacking down the other end of the pitch and Eden Hazard was inches away from applying the finish touch to a dangerous Ivanovic cross.
In the 22nd minute there was another moment of controversy as Martin Skrtel appeared to foul Costa inside the box, but referee Michael Oliver waved away the Brazilian's appeals.
Alberto Moreno was then played through by Steven Gerrard, but his effort was beaten away by Thibaut Courtois at his near post.
Courtois was called into action again soon after to make a block from Philippe Coutinho's stinging low drive.
Chelsea began to regain their composure and Oscar flashed a free kick wide, before drilling a low strike off target moments later.
After the break, there was another heated moment involving Costa and Skrtel, with the Chelsea man kicking out at the defender, but once again it was not seen by the referee.
As the game approached the hour mark, it was Chelsea who threatened to take the lead as Hazard won the ball in the middle of the pitch, before charging forward and firing a powerful strike inches wide of the post.
Costa then forced Simon Mignolet into a save from his deflected effort, before Gerrard curled a shot into the gloves of Courtois down the other end.
Mignolet made another vital save to deny Costa, as he was quickly off his line to stop the Brazilian from taking the ball past him.
Despite further chances for Ramires and Gerrard, neither side were able to find a goal before the 90 minutes were up and the game headed into extra time.
Mario Balotelli had the first chance of the additional 30 minutes, but after being picked out by Sterling on the edge of the box, the Italian blazed his shot wildly over the bar.
Within moments it was Chelsea who finally made the breakthrough, as Ivanovic rose unmarked to power in a header from Willian's free kick.
Liverpool had a huge chance to draw level soon after when Jordan Henderson was picked out by Sterling's cross, but the midfielder could not direct his header on target.
There was to be a third unsavoury moment involving Costa, as the Brazilian squared up to Gerrard, resulting in a booking for both players.
As the game wore on, Chelsea were largely in control and Ramires threatened a second when he poked an effort into the gloves of the keeper.
It proved to be the final chance of the evening, as the Blues held on to confirm a first appearance in the League Cup final since 2007.
