Newcastle United has claimed the EFL Cup, marking the club's first piece of silverware in 70 years with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Liverpool at Wembley Stadium on March 16, 2025. The triumph is monumental for the Magpies, as it ends their long drought since winning the FA Cup back in 1955. Dan Burn and Alexander Isak netted for Newcastle, giving fans hope and joy after decades without silverware.
Both teams faced challenges throughout the match, struggling to generate significant chances from open play. Liverpool deployed their standard 4-3-3 formation which occasionally shifted to 4-2-3-1, featuring players like Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk. Meanwhile, Newcastle operated with their own 4-3-3 setup. What proved decisive for the Magpies was their impressive set-piece execution and lethal transitions, turning the tide of the match.
The pivotal moment came when Burn scored a header just before halftime, securing Newcastle's first ever goal at Wembley since 1976. Soon after, Isak added to the tally with his second goal of the season during this match, enhancing his impressive record of 19 goals and five assists during the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Fans at Wembley were treated to high energy with 88,513 supporters filling the stadium, making it the second highest attended League Cup match for Newcastle United. The passionate fan base witnessed Bruno Guimarães lifting the cup as the team's captain, the first to do so since Bobby Moncur did it back in 1969. Celebrations erupted as Newcastle finally wrote their names back onto the history books of English football.
Alan Shearer, legendary ex-striker and club icon, expressed his heartfelt emotions during post-match interviews. Reflecting on the victory, he said, "I must admit, I had a tear or two at the end when the final whistle went," indicating not just his happiness for the club but also his personal connections to past glories. He nostalgically recalled his father, who had experienced similar moments of joy with the club.
For Liverpool, the defeat was disheartening as they failed to secure their first trophy of the season under manager Arne Slot. Despite pressing high during the match, the Reds were unable to convert their possession and chances effectively, falling short against Newcastle’s defensive resilience and tactical execution.
Post-match, Isak was seen chatting amiably with Virgil van Dijk, raising eyebrows among fans who speculated on what might have exchanged between the two players. Isak reportedly wished Van Dijk well for the rest of the season, but rumors of his potential big-money transfer to Liverpool continue to circulate. Liverpool's fans are eagerly watching developments as the summer transfer window approaches.
Newcastle United's road to the trophy was paved with impressive victories against top teams, including wins over Arsenal and Chelsea, which bolstered their cup campaign. Notably, they managed to defeat all four top teams during the tournament, highlighting the strength of Eddie Howe's squad.
TV broadcast statistics revealed just under 1.8 million fans attended various Carabao Cup matches this season, credited partly to increased viewer engagement due to broadcasting partnerships with ITV and Sky Sports. The EFL Cup final also drew significant attention, with approximately 8 million fans tuning in to watch the match live, showcasing the excitement surrounding this event.
The successful operations and the emotional highs experienced by the Newcastlers were reflected magnificently through creative displays by fan group Wor Flags, who unveiled banners at Wembley. Inspired by players' desires to engrain their names within club lore, the visual artistry added to the thrilling atmosphere enough to stir anyone’s emotions as the victory was celebrated.
Going forward, both clubs will focus on their league journeys. Liverpool, currently targeting the Premier League title, sees their next campaign as increasingly important, whereas Newcastle will look to build upon this success as they pursue greater ambitions. The notebooks of football fans are sure to be buzzing with thoughts of transfers and tactical maneuvers as they reflect on this season’s remarkable events.
Remarkably, the 2025 Carabao Cup has proven not just to be another chapter, but potentially the start of an exciting renaissance for Newcastle United, heralding their return to form on the domestic stage. The echoes of glory once lost now resurrect under the fervent support of the club's dedicated followers. Only the future can tell how this catharsis will impact the club's destiny.
