Liverpool won 6-5 on penalties after the teams drew 1-1 at Anfield, with Gomez’s emphatic finish proving crucial in a contest that had already tested the nerve of both sides.
The defender was among those entrusted with a spot-kick as the shoot-out stretched beyond the initial five penalties. After Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili denied Chelsea debutant Emmanuel Emegha, Gomez blasted his attempt into the top corner to put the pressure back on the visitors.
Fofana then sent Chelsea’s final effort over the crossbar, completing Liverpool’s victory and booking their place in the last eight, where they will face AFC Bournemouth.
Speaking to ITV after the match, Gomez admitted the possibility of penalties had become increasingly apparent as the game wore on.
“We know it goes to pens straight after the game. So when it got later in the game, we knew it could. The boys fought hard. Obviously great opposition, we've had tough draws, but we want to go and win it again and we know we can,” he said.
The defender acknowledged the tension that built as the shoot-out continued, with both teams aware that one mistake could decide their fate.
“Everyone's on edge. We want to win and we know we've got the quality. Naturally for me, it's a moment I'm obviously thinking about and anticipating. It was nice that it went in.”
For Gomez, the significance of the moment went beyond simply converting a penalty. Having represented Liverpool through multiple managerial eras, he stressed what it meant to contribute in a high-pressure match at Anfield.
“It means everything to play for this club and we know every game, especially here, is massive for us and we want to do our best to represent the shirt. I think we did that tonight,” he said.
Gomez also paid tribute to Mamardashvili, whose save from Emegha helped create the opening for Liverpool to finish the job. The goalkeeper had been called upon several times during the match, including to deny Marco Palestra late in normal time.
“Obviously Giorgi is a great 'keeper. We know in the cup sometimes players aren't always regularly playing, so for him to come in and do as well as he did is big props to him,” Gomez said.
The victory was also an important result for a Liverpool side adjusting to a new management team under Andoni Iraola. Gomez said the determination shown throughout the evening reflected standards the squad wanted to maintain.
“Obviously it's a new management team and we want to show that fight, show that grit. It's mentality and I think that's what we're known for and we're always trying to uphold that standard, and I think we did that tonight,” he said.
“It was important that the lads kept on fighting, kept going until the end and we did that.”
Gomez’s successful penalty ensured Liverpool’s progress after a contest in which both sides had converted from the spot during normal time. Morgan Rogers had put Chelsea ahead in the 40th minute before Cody Gakpo equalised three minutes later.
Liverpool now turn their attention to the quarter-finals against Bournemouth, with Gomez’s contribution against Chelsea providing a reminder of the value of composure when a cup tie comes down to its final kick.