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This week’s listening practice report looks back at this year’s Capital One League Cup final between Liverpool and Manchester City.  You can listen to the report by clicking on the link above, and you can also read the transcript of the report (below). There are also explanations of key vocabulary (in bold) at the end of the post.

2016 League Cup Final

The first piece of silverware was up for grabs this weekend in England when Liverpool took on Manchester City in the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium. City came out on top after winning on penalties in a very close game – the first 90 minutes finished 1-1. Before yesterday’s game, Liverpool had won this trophy a record eight times, while Manchester City have now lifted the trophy on four occasions after last weekend’s win.

Heroes

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini decided to keep second-choice keeper Willy Caballero in his starting xi and this decision paid off as the Argentinian saved three Liverpool penalties in the shoot out. It was also a good day for Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany who believes that this win can help the team’s push for two more titles: the League in England and, of course, the European Champions League.

Future

The win was a great boost to City after a mini slump in the league and now that a trophy has been captured they hope to finish the season strongly. As for Liverpool, they can count themselves unlucky to have been beaten and though qualification for the Champions League may prove to be out of their reach, they will have a good chance of qualifying for next season’s Europa League.

Vocabulary

silverware: Another word for trophy in football

came out on top: Won

second-choice: Not the main keeper but the back up or substitute

the shoot out: Penalties; penalty shoot out

boost: Encourage, improve

count themselves unlucky: They were unlucky

out of their reach: Beyond them; it will be difficult for them

Links

* The BBC match report

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