Newcastle United clinched their first major domestic trophy in 70 years on Sunday, defeating Liverpool 2-1 in a historic Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium.
The Magpies triumphed in the opening silverware contest of the 2024/25 football season, with both teams playing cautiously at the outset of the EFL clash.
First-half breakthrough
Newcastle made their mark just before halftime when defender Dan Burn scored with a header from a corner during first-half stoppage time, giving the Magpies a 1-0 lead at the break.
Isak seals the lead
The second half saw Newcastle build on their advantage. In the 52nd minute, Alexander Isak capitalized on a defensive blunder by Liverpool to double the Magpies’ lead.
Despite attempts to rally, including substitutions from Liverpool manager Arne Slot—introducing Curtis Jones and Darwin Núñez—the Reds struggled to break down Newcastle’s well-organized defense.
Chiesa’s late goal falls short
Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa struck in injury time (90+4) to pull one back, but it came too late to prevent Newcastle from securing the win.
Newcastle’s historic achievement
The final whistle confirmed Newcastle’s 2-1 victory, ending a 70-year wait for a major trophy, with their last major silverware coming in 1955. This Carabao Cup win marks the first significant cup triumph under manager Eddie Howe.
Manager reactions
Howe praised his team’s resilience: “This is a dream come true for the club and the fans. The players showed incredible heart and determination to achieve this historic win.”
A disappointed Arne Slot acknowledged Liverpool’s shortcomings: “We weren’t good enough in the critical moments. Newcastle deserved the win; they were the better team today.”
Player comments
Dan Burn, who scored the opening goal, was emotional after the match, saying, “To score in a final and help the club end this long wait is beyond words. This is for the fans who have stood by us all these years.”
Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk, despite the defeat, showed commendable sportsmanship, congratulating Newcastle and recognizing their strong performance on the day.
Emotional reactions from football icons
Sky Sports analyst Gary Neville, visibly moved, commented, “I’m almost crying seeing what this means to Newcastle fans. This is what football is all about—moments like these.”
Former Newcastle striker and club legend Alan Shearer, celebrating alongside fans at Wembley, reflected on the significance of the win, saying, “This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for. It’s been a long journey, but this victory shows the strength and passion of this club.”
A historic moment for fans
Fans around the world echoed these sentiments, flooding social media with tributes to the players and manager. The 70-year wait for domestic silverware had come to an end.
“As many as 60-year-olds who’ve experienced this moment before are few and far between, including Alan Shearer, who wasn’t born when their last major trophy was won: the 1969 Fairs Cup,” an official statement from the EPL website noted. “Newcastle hadn’t won a major domestic trophy since the FA Cup in 1955 and had never claimed the EFL Cup—until now.”
The Carabao Cup win signifies not only a historic moment for Newcastle United but also a symbol of their resilience and ambition under Eddie Howe. It’s a victory that will be remembered by fans for generations to come.
