It wasn't to be for Fulham on Wednesday night as a respectable draw against in-form Liverpool wasn't enough to book a ticket to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final.
The Cottagers needed to overturn a 1-0 deficit against the Reds and an early Luis Diaz goal made that task doubly hard as the Colombian pounced on a slow Timothy Castagne. Marco Silva's side slowly worked themselves back into the fixture and piled on the pressure after a second-half goal from the unlikely source of Issa Diop.
Defeat in the semi-final will hurt, but a draw against rampant Liverpool on any other night would be a praiseworthy result for Fulham. Here's how the players got on.
1. Bernd Leno - 6
Could have done better with the goal, but it did take a deflection. Made a couple of nice saves in the second half and was alert to late Liverpool counters. Photo: Getty Images
2. Antonee Robinson - 8
Robinson was superb again and is fast becoming a real star. Lightning quick going forwards and assured in his defensive work all night. Photo: Getty Images
3. Issa Diop - 7
Another decent showing at centre-back and made the type of run Fulham needed their striker to do all game to steal in for the goal.
4. Tosin Adarabioyo - 6
Was sluggish when Liverpool took their early goal but made some vital interventions during the match and carried the ball forwards well. Photo: Getty Images