Liverpool bossed possession for the majority of the game and laid seige to the Cardiff goal with a total of 39 shots, however Cardiff produced a staunch defensive display and threatened the Liverpool goal themselves on several occasions. Cardiff took the lead through a well-worked goal in the first half, but Liverpool equalised on the hour mark when Martin Skrtel stabbed home from a corner. Dirk Kuyt then appeared to have won the tie for the Reds in the 18th minute of extra time, but two minutes from the final whistle Cardiff equalised from a corner. In the penalty shootout, Liverpool prevailed 3-2, despite seeing Steven Gerrard and Charlie Adam miss the Reds' first two spot kicks.