Report and extended match highlights from the Carabao Cup final featuring Liverpool and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium, where goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak paved the way for Newcastle to triumph and finally secure a major domestic trophy after a 70-year drought.
In a thrilling Carabao Cup final, Newcastle United emerged victorious over the defending champions Liverpool, claiming a 2-1 win that celebrated the club’s first major trophy since 1955. The Magpies had experienced a long history of near misses, with their last five attempts in major finals—three in the FA Cup and two in the League Cup—resulting in defeats and piling pressure on the players and fans alike. Their recent encounter in 2023 against Manchester United had added to this frustration, marking an urgent need for redemption.
As supporters traveled to Wembley, the mood was filled with a mix of hope and trepidation, eager to witness their beloved club break free from the chains of history. The match kicked off with an electrifying atmosphere as Newcastle fans filled the stands, chanting and cheering for their team. The Magpies quickly demonstrated their intentions to seize control, with Burn’s towering header just before halftime igniting a firestorm of emotion among the Newcastle faithful. Moments later, Alexander Isak’s stunning finish early in the second half only fanned the flames of celebration.
Liverpool, entering the match as the favorites and defending champions, struggled significantly to make an impact. The Reds managed only a single shot throughout the entire first half and recorded a mere two touches in the opposition’s penalty area. Their performance fell short of expectations, as they failed to find a rhythm against Newcastle’s resolute and determined defense. The stark contrast in momentum reflected the Magpies’ drive to rewrite their club’s narrative.
Newcastle asserted their dominance early on, creating multiple opportunities to score. Players like Jacob Murphy and Sandro Tonali looked to capitalize on their fast start, driving forward and testing the Liverpool defense with various attempts. Andy Robertson was kept busy, blocking shots from Kieran Trippier and Isak, and Bruno Guimaraes also threatened to score with a well-aimed header directed at Liverpool’s goalkeeper, Caoimhin Kelleher.
One particularly tense moment occurred when Newcastle appealed for a penalty after the ball struck Trippier’s hand in the box during an intense scramble. VAR intervened to assess the situation but ultimately ruled that no foul had occurred, much to the relief of the Newcastle players and fans.
The long-awaited breakthrough for Newcastle came in dramatic fashion during the first minute of stoppage time in the first half. Dan Burn charged into the box, meeting an expertly delivered corner kick with a powerful header from 15 yards out. As a lifelong Newcastle supporter, Burn’s goal was a fairy-tale moment that anyone in the stadium would remember, setting the tone for an exhilarating second half.
Less than ten minutes into the second period, Newcastle doubled their lead in remarkable style. Alexander Isak, having seen a close-range goal disallowed just moments earlier due to an offside call, quickly redeemed himself by finishing beautifully into the bottom left corner. This goal was set up by Jacob Murphy’s intelligent play which saw him nudge Tino Livramento’s cross into a perfect spot for Isak. The joyous scenes that followed underlined the jubilation of a long-suffering fanbase.
Liverpool, however, was not ready to concede defeat. Substitute Curtis Jones managed to force a fantastic one-handed save from Nick Pope just before the hour mark, trying to breathe life into Liverpool’s faltering attack. Despite manager Arne Slot’s bold strategy of deploying an aggressive front four, Newcastle’s defense remained steadfast, absorbing the pressure and thwarting Liverpool’s attempts to gather momentum as the time ticked away.
In a nail-biting finish, Federico Chiesa slipped through the Newcastle defense and found the net in the 94th minute. Initially ruled offside, the goal was later confirmed after a lengthy VAR review determined that he was indeed onside, bringing a glimmer of hope to Liverpool as they attempted to salvage a draw. However, the clock had run out, and despite the late drama, it was not enough to take the match into extra time.
The culmination of determination, skill, and unyielding support culminated in a historic triumph for Newcastle United, who celebrated joyously as they finally lifted a major trophy, putting an end to decades of longing and adversity. The thrill, relief, and celebration resonated, marking a new chapter in the saga of this storied football club.
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