Liverpool set up an FA Cup fifth-round tie with Norwich after beating Cardiff 3-1 at Anfield on Sunday.
With the backing of 6,000 Bluebirds in the away end, Cardiff started with plenty of energy but Dillon Phillips was quickly called upon to deny a smart Diogo Jota swivel-and-shot.
Bar a penalty scare as Ibrahima Konate sent Mark Harris tumbling in the area, Liverpool were well on top throughout the first period but failed to test the keeper further.
Curtis Jones, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Naby Keita were all guilty of wayward shooting as the hosts failed to make their 82 per cent of possession pay.
Although Alexander-Arnold’s efforts on goal from set plays were lacking, there was nothing wrong with his cross from the right flank after Will Vaulks dragged back Takumi Minamino.
The England international’s ball in was met by Jota, who expertly guided his header into the far corner for a 53rd-minute lead.
The positive mood around Anfield remained as Harvey Elliott made his return from a long-term ankle injury off the bench, and he was joined on the pitch by debutant Luis Diaz.
Cardiff struggled to create a response to going behind and Perry Ng inexplicably gave the ball away by his own goalpost to allow Minamino with a simple finish for 2-0.
The biggest cheer of the day was reserved for returning teenager Elliott, who capped a fine afternoon for Liverpool by getting on the end of a cross from the left to lash home the third - with the emotion on his face clear as he celebrated in front of the Kop.
There was still time for Cardiff to snatch a late consolation with Rubin Colwill finishing off a break by smashing past Caoimhin Kelleher.
