Newcastle United ended a 56-year wait for major silverware in stunning fashion, defeating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley. It was a night that will live long in the memory of Newcastle fans, as goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak sealed a historic victory that signaled the end of decades of frustration, underachievement, and near misses. From the first whistle, Newcastle played with hunger, determination, and a clear tactical approach that left Liverpool shell-shocked. The final was more than just a game; it was a culmination of years of disappointment finally giving way to a moment of triumph that rewrote the club’s modern history.
Going into the game, Liverpool were firm favorites. They sit comfortably at the top of the Premier League table, 12 points clear of their closest challengers and 23 points ahead of sixth-placed Newcastle. Liverpool had not lost to Newcastle in 17 consecutive meetings since 2015, a record that reflected the gulf in class and consistency between the two sides over the past decade. Yet, football often writes its own scripts, and Newcastle arrived at Wembley determined to rip up the narrative. Fans filled their half of the stadium with a roaring sea of black and white, proudly unveiling a banner before kickoff urging their team to “write your name in the history books.” This was not just another final for Newcastle — this was an opportunity to exorcise years of ghosts and finally bring glory back to Tyneside.
The game began with Newcastle showing far more urgency, snapping into tackles and counter-attacking with purpose, while Liverpool looked sluggish and disjointed. Bruno Guimaraes nearly gave Newcastle an early lead when Dan Burn, always a threat in the air, rose to meet Kieran Trippier’s corner and headed down to Guimaraes, who failed to convert from close range. But Newcastle’s intent was clear: they had come to fight, not just to make up the numbers. Joelinton, a symbol of Newcastle’s revival under Eddie Howe, embodied that spirit. He relentlessly tracked back to stop Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah and celebrated the tackle like a goal, a moment that brought the Newcastle faithful to their feet and set the tone for what was to come.
Despite their rocky start, Liverpool did have moments where they threatened, but Newcastle’s defensive setup and energy in midfield smothered their creative outlets. Mohamed Salah, often Liverpool’s talisman, was kept quiet all night. Without the creative influence of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool lacked fluidity. Szoboszlai and Mac Allister struggled to impose themselves, and the usually dominant midfield trio found themselves outworked and outfought. Newcastle deliberately avoided engaging Virgil Van Dijk and Konaté in direct battles, instead choosing to move around them, using Isak’s intelligent movement and the energy of Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy to create spaces.
As the first half neared its end, Newcastle’s persistence paid off. In the 45th minute, Liverpool, having already been warned about Burn’s aerial presence, inexplicably left him unmarked during another Trippier corner. With only the diminutive Mac Allister nearby, Burn rose powerfully to head home into the far corner, sending the Newcastle fans into raptures. It was Newcastle’s first goal in a cup final since 1976, and for Burn — a local lad who grew up supporting the club and had just received his first England call-up that week — the moment was nothing short of dreamlike. His celebration, running with arms outstretched and a beaming smile, captured what the goal meant not only to him but to every Geordie watching.
If Newcastle’s opening goal was about heart and desire, their second was pure class. Just seven minutes into the second half, Isak doubled the lead with a finish that showcased his poise and quality. The move began with Tino Livramento, whose driving run and cross found Jacob Murphy. Murphy’s header down was met by Isak, who took the shot first time, drilling it past Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher from ten yards out. At 2-0, Wembley erupted. Newcastle were in dreamland, and Liverpool looked rattled, unsure how to respond to the intensity and belief radiating from their opponents.
Eddie Howe’s tactical masterclass was in full display. He had set up his team to frustrate and outwork Liverpool, and his players executed the plan to perfection. Joelinton dominated the midfield, winning duels and breaking Liverpool’s attempts to build momentum. Bruno Guimaraes and Murphy provided creativity and drive, while Isak’s movement consistently dragged defenders out of position. Even when Liverpool had spells of possession, Newcastle’s defensive structure, with Burn and Schär commanding at the back, held firm. The Magpies had clearly learned lessons from their defeat in last season’s League Cup final against Manchester United. This time, they were determined not to let the opportunity slip.
Liverpool did find a late goal in stoppage time when Federico Chiesa pounced on a loose ball and slotted it home, sparking a few nervous glances among the Newcastle supporters. But it was too little too late. Newcastle held on for the remaining moments with resolute defending and determination, until the final whistle blew and history was made. The scenes that followed were pure emotion — players sinking to their knees, fans in tears, and Howe embraced by his coaching staff. After years of suffering, Newcastle United were winners again.
This triumph marks a monumental shift for a club that had become synonymous with heartbreak and mediocrity. Since lifting the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969, Newcastle had endured relegations, ownership crises, and an endless cycle of hope and disappointment. Legends like Alan Shearer, Paul Gascoigne, and Malcolm MacDonald, despite their brilliance, never managed to win silverware during their time at the club. Even during Kevin Keegan’s famous “Entertainers” era of the 1990s, when Newcastle came agonizingly close to winning the Premier League, a trophy eluded them. The Mike Ashley era, marked by fan protests and underinvestment, only deepened the sense of stagnation and decline.
Everything began to change in 2021 when a Saudi-backed consortium took over from the unpopular Ashley regime and appointed Eddie Howe as manager. Under Howe’s leadership and with significant financial backing, Newcastle have transformed from relegation battlers to a team now tasting success on the biggest domestic stage. But while money has played a role, this victory was about more than investment — it was about resilience, unity, and belief. Howe has built a team that reflects Newcastle’s working-class roots: hardworking, passionate, and unafraid of a fight. In Burn and Joelinton, he has players who symbolize the grit and determination that has driven the club’s revival.
For Liverpool, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow. Coming just days after their dramatic Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, it capped a difficult week for Arne Slot’s side. Although they remain well clear at the top of the Premier League and are strong favorites to win the title, the defeat at Wembley exposed cracks. Without Alexander-Arnold, their buildup play was labored, and without Salah’s usual spark, their attack looked toothless. Slot’s decision to rest some key players in midweek raised questions about priorities, but Newcastle’s hunger ultimately made the difference.
For Newcastle United, this is more than just a trophy; it is a new beginning. The scenes of celebration at Wembley, with black and white flags waving and songs echoing around the stadium, will be etched in the minds of fans forever. Supporters who have followed the club through thick and thin, through relegation battles and cup final heartbreaks, can now finally celebrate as champions. Dan Burn’s goal, Isak’s finish, and the collective roar of thousands of Geordies represent a turning point for the club. After 56 long years, Newcastle United have climbed back to the summit of English football, and with their renewed ambition, strong leadership, and passionate support, this may just be the first of many trophies to come.
As the players lifted the Carabao Cup high into the night sky, surrounded by a wall of noise from their adoring fans, one thing was clear — Newcastle United had finally arrived.
Sources
- https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/live-blogs/liverpool-newcastle-live-updates-carabao-cup-final-score-result/FlDSYJtTMLe8/#:~:text=Newcastle%20United%20have%20ended%20their,Federico%20Chiesa’s%20late%20strike
- https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/carabao-cup-newcastle-defeat-liverpool-2-1-to-win-first-trophy-after-56-years/amp/
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