Liverpool vs. Leeds United: Score, Reaction from 2016 EFL Cup Quarter-Final

Divock Origi and 17-year-old substitute Ben Woodburn scored second-half goals to help Liverpool beat Leeds United 2-0 at Anfield on Tuesday and reach the EFL Cup semi-finals. 

Woodburn scored Liverpool's second and made club history in the process, according to Sky Sports Statto:

Woodburn came off the bench after Leeds United had frustrated Liverpool for most of 70 minutes. Origi had already opened the account for last season's beaten finalists when he met a superb cross from another academy youngster, 18-year-old Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Despite a raft of injuries, including Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp still picked a strong starting XI. The German included first-team regulars Georginio Wijnaldum and Sadio Mane alongside Origi up front.

Klopp also gave chances to youngster Kevin Stewart (23) and teenage midfielders Ovie Ejaria (19) and Alexander-Arnold. The latter played full-back, while midfielder Lucas Leiva started at centre-back in a makeshift defence.

Meanwhile, former Arsenal and Swansea City defender Kyle Bartley was at the back for Leeds, per Sky Sports Football:

Bartley was at fault for what looked like a fatal mistake just after the half-hour mark. Fortunately for Leeds, Emre Can couldn't turn Bartley's underhit back pass into the net.

Liverpool's other notable chance of the half came when Leeds goalkeeper Marco Silvestri saved Wijanldum's hooked shot after 12 minutes. Wijnaldum had made a typically smart run, but it was the deft pass from 19-year-old Ejaria that stood out.

The half ended goalless and with the home side needing to up their game in front of the Anfield crowd. Specifically, the Reds needed to quicken their passing through midfield. The pace of their game was suffering as young players didn't dare to make a mistake.

Similar hesitancy in the final third cost Liverpool early on after the break. Mane did well to send Origi clear thanks to a backheel, but the Belgian took too long over the chance.

Andy Kelly of the Liverpool Echo noted how the home support appeared perturbed by Origi's lack of confidence:

Leeds then had two superb chances to go in front. First, forward Kemar Roofe curled a shot off the inside of the post. Sky Sports Statto relayed images showing just how close Roofe came to giving Leeds the lead:

Bartley soon had another promising chance, but his close-range header sailed wide when it should have thundered into the back of the net.

No doubt sensing the moment was ripe, Leeds manager Garry Monk brought leading goalscorer Chris Wood off the bench. Klopp also made a change, introducing the highly touted Welsh striker Woodburn for Stewart.

The teenager might have scored had he gotten to the rebound from Wijnaldum's shot a little sooner. Wijnaldum struck the post after Mane again put him through, but Leeds managed to clear.

However, Liverpool were soon in front when Alexander-Arnold bent a terrific cross around the Leeds back four for Origi to toe into the net on the stretch.

OptaJoe noted how prolific Origi has been in this competition:

The Belgian appeared injured after his goal but soon recovered to set up Liverpool's second. His twisting run and smart pass found Wijnaldum, whose clever touch teed up Woodburn.

Those goals were enough to send the Reds through to the last four.

Post-Match Reaction

Klopp expressed his delight at Woodburn's historic contribution, according to the club's official Twitter:

He also indicated how his priority is for Liverpool to maintain their current momentum:

As for Leeds, Monk rued his side's profligacy in front of goal:

Liverpool have naturally been left happier by winning and making progress in another competition. The club and its fans also enjoyed an exciting glimpse of what the future may hold thanks to Woodburn and Alexander-Arnold.