Brendan Rodgers: 'The best team lost'

Brendan Rodgers has rued missed opportunities after his Liverpool side bowed out of the League Cup following defeat to Chelsea in their semi-final tie.

Branislav Ivanovic rose highest to nod home the winner in the fourth minute of extra time as the Blues won 1-0 - 2-1 on aggregate - to book a spot at Wembley.

Having made a string of impressive saves at Anfield last week, Chelsea goalkeeper Thiabut Courtois was busy again tonight, and Rodgers says that the Belgian made the difference over both legs.

"I thought they were outstanding. Over the course of two legs we were the better team," he told Sky Sports News.

"We had good opportunities to score but didn't score. I feel nothing but pride really because the players gave everything.

"I thought we had a number of opportunities - Raheem Sterling, Philippe Coutinho. If you assess it over two legs their goalkeeper has won them the tie. He is a world-class keeper."

Jose Mourinho's side will face either Tottenham Hotspur or Sheffield United in the final, with Spurs leading 1-0 heading into the second leg at Bramall Lane tomorrow.