Liverpool clocked up a record eighth League Cup success with a 3-2 penalty shootout victory over Cardiff City at Wembley in the Carling Cup Final, after a thrilling game which swung back and forth throughout the 120 minutes and ensuing spot-kick drama.
After bossing the early stages, including seeing a Glen Johnson shot hit the bar after one minute, Liverpool fell behind to Joe Mason's cool finish through the legs of Pepe Reina.
Shots rained down on Tom Heaton's goal, but between him and his defenders, he kept the Reds out with a series of blocks and saves.
Martin Skrtel eventually equalised as he reacted first to Luis Suarez's header which hit the post, but there were no further goals in the 90 minutes and extra time was required.
Substitute Dirk Kuyt put Liverpool ahead for the first time in the additional 30 minutes, and the same player cleared off the line two minutes before the end as it seemed the Reds were in touching distance of the trophy.
Ben Turner, however, scored with Cardiff's next attack to force penalties and prolong the agony.
After Steven Gerrard, Kenny Miller and Charlie Adam all missed, both teams found their shooting boots and traded successful penalties. But after Glen Johnson scored Liverpool's fifth, Anthony Gerrard shot wide for Cardiff, and the Reds were the winners.
Here are five things we learned after an epic and wonderfully eventful League Cup Final.
