What is black and white and all over the Reds? For Newcastle United the years of anguish, hurt, sometimes humiliation and not a little desperation are finally over. They have won their first trophy for 56 years and their first domestic silverware for seven long, long decades. And deservedly so. For once the tears were tears of joy. And relief.
When they lifted the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969 it was a month before the Moon landing. Newcastle went into orbit and are back among the stars after this stellar performance against Liverpool to claim the Carabao Cup and spark a Toon takeover.
A statue for Eddie Howe? Maybe even so as he cemented his right to be regarded as the best English manager of his generation and the first to win a domestic trophy since Harry Redknapp, with the FA Cup, in 2008. The last to win this one? Go even further back to Steve McClaren 21 years ago.
For Liverpool, following their Champions League exit to Paris Saint-Germain after a penalty shoot-out last Tuesday, it is two trophies that have slipped away from them within a week. They will surely still win the Premier League but, boy, do they look like a tiring team.
They simply did not turn up and that is something that Arne Slot will have to ponder upon after a messy, uninspired performance. The head coach said there are nine more finals for Liverpool this season, their final nine league games, but they will have to perform better than this to get over the line whatever their lead over Arsenal.
Liverpool could not cope with the aggression and energy and a sheer desire of Newcastle who appeared overwhelmed when they reached the final of this competition two years ago but, this time, were determined to harness that yearning.
There were stories, that will become legend, for Newcastle all over the pitch as this team wrote their names in the club’s history and none more so than Dan Burn who celebrated his first England call-up with a towering header to open the scoring before half-time. The 32-year-old Blyth-born defender is a local hero. But quite why he was being marked – or loosely marked – by Alexis MacAllister who is a full 10 inches shorter than him was bewildering.
"Mac Allister is not even watching the ball, what that's about I'll never know"
Jamie Carragher analyses Newcastle's opener ???? pic.twitter.com/rkR8xJtJQ2
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 16, 2025
The second goal, which killed off Liverpool’s fading hopes, came from a familiar source with Alexander Isak reinforcing his own reputation with a smart finish as Jacob Murphy rose high to head a Tino Livramento cross – Newcastle having been working on the full-back delivering with his left-foot all week – with the centre-forward sweeping it home.
Four minutes into the eight additional minutes Liverpool pulled a goal back with substitute Federico Chiesa finishing low past Nick Pope after being released by another replacement, Harvey Elliott. Initially it was ruled out for offside but that decision was rightly overturned after a surprisingly long VAR check. It meant it would be an unlikely nervy end but, for Liverpool it was all too late.
07:11 PM GMT
Thanks for joining us
That brings to an end our coverage of this historic afternoon as Newcastle won their first major domestic trophy in 70 years. Thanks for joining us!
07:08 PM GMT
The goalscorers
Dan Burn opened the scoring for Newcastle with a fabulous header from a corner in the first half before Alexander Isak doubled their lead with a superb sweeping finish seven minutes after the interval.
07:03 PM GMT
‘Howe has been a brilliant coach’, says Redknapp
Speaking on Sky Sports, former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp said: “Eddie Howe deserves it. He has been a brilliant coach.
“He’s improved players. What he has done with Joelinton, he’s turned him into a midfield powerhouse and that is all thanks to Howe.
“They had no Anthony Gordon and no Lewis Hall, did it matter? Not one bit.”
07:02 PM GMT
Carragher ‘gutted’ with Liverpool loss
Speaking on Sky Sports, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said: “I’m gutted Liverpool didn’t win today but if there is any team you would accept losing to, it’s Newcastle.
“They have such huge support in the North East.”
07:00 PM GMT
Newcastle stop the rot
Newcastle have ended a run of nine successive Wembley defeats as they win at the national stadium for the first time since their FA Cup triumph in 1955.
06:59 PM GMT
Silent Salah
For the first time in his Liverpool career, Mohamed Salah neither attempted a shot nor created a chance in a match where he played 90+ minutes.
06:56 PM GMT
The moment Newcastle have been waiting for
06:55 PM GMT
Milestone for Howe
Eddie Howe becomes the first Englishman to win a major domestic trophy in this country since Harry Redknapp won the FA Cup with Portsmouth in 2008.
06:54 PM GMT
Second trophy lift
The players now have their second trophy lift on the pitch, with Eddie Howe now involved in the celebrations with champagne going everywhere.
06:52 PM GMT
Newcastle compete with the best on their day
Newcastle have proved in this competition, particularly from the semi-finals onwards that they are capable of competing with the very best.
They dispatched Arsenal over two legs in the last four, with ruthless 2-0 wins home and away, and they completely outplayed Liverpool this afternoon.
This side should be playing Champions League football year in, year out.
06:48 PM GMT
Newcastle lift the League Cup
Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes share the honour of lifting the trophy before each player gets their own turn, each greeted with a huge cheer from the Newcastle fans.
06:46 PM GMT
The contrast in emotions
06:45 PM GMT
Trophy lift coming soon
The Newcastle players, with ‘winners 25’ on their tops now, are heading up the famous Wembley stairs to collect their hard-earned trophy.
A mention for Eddie Howe too, who wins his first major trophy as a manager. He has done an excellent job at St James’.
06:42 PM GMT
Thoroughly deserved win
That was a thoroughly deserved victory for Newcastle. They out-played Liverpool, out-ran them and created the better chances.
They brought the physicality and it seemed to much for Liverpool who look leggy after their Champions League exploits.
They managed 17 shots compared to Liverpool’s seven and had six efforts on target while Liverpool managed two.
06:38 PM GMT
Liverpool’s woeful week
This time last week, Liverpool were favourites to lift the Champions League, League Cup and Premier League but it now looks like it will just be the latter for Arne Slot in his first season at the club.
An unbelievable achievement nonetheless but an incredibly disappointing week at Anfield.
06:35 PM GMT
The local hero
06:34 PM GMT
Trophy drought comes to an end
The wait is finally over for Newcastle. They have won their first trophy for 56 years and their first domestic silverware for seven long decades.
06:32 PM GMT
Party time for Newcastle
Huge Newcastle celebrations ensue on and off the pitch. Bruno is being interviewed by Sky now and is in tears. He says it is “the best day of my life”.
He adds that Newcastle is “my second home” and that the club is “making history”.
06:31 PM GMT
NEWCASTLE ARE CHAMPIONS!
Full time: Liverpool 1 Newcastle United 2 Liverpool have one last chance to send the ball long but Newcastle can clear and the full-time whistle goes. Newcastle United are the League Cup champions!
06:30 PM GMT
90+11 mins: Liverpool 1 Newcastle United 2
There is a VAR check for violent conduct after Joelinton threw Elliot to the ground with Liverpool breaking. It won’t be a red card but it was certainly cynical.
06:29 PM GMT
90+9 mins: Liverpool 1 Newcastle United 2
Tonali and Willock do superbly to win the corner down the left side before Tonali is booked for tying his laces when getting ready to take the set-piece.
They take it short and win the throw-in before killing another 30 seconds in the corner but Liverpool can now come forward.
06:27 PM GMT
90+8 mins: Liverpool 1 Newcastle United 2
That decision took around two minutes from VAR when it was a really simple one that could be seen from the first replay. We will be going over the 100-minute mark surely.
Bruno wins a throw-in in the corner and goes crazy but they quickly give away the free-kick and Kelleher launches it long.
06:25 PM GMT
GOAL! Chiesa gives Liverpool hope
Liverpool 1 Newcastle United 2 (Chiesa) Chiesa is slid in on goal by a wonderful pass from Elliot and he takes one touch before slotting a right-footed finish past Pope.
The flag goes up but replays show he was onside and after a check for a potential foul, the referee announces to the stadium that the decision is goal.
06:22 PM GMT
90+4 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
The ball drops to Nunez in the box and amid Newcastle appeals for handball he has an effort from close range blocked and Newcastle clear.
06:22 PM GMT
90+3 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
Bruno wins the foul as his heels are clipped by Gakpo and they will take their time over this one.
It’s switched out to Willock who does well to beat Quansah but he spoons his cross over the bar. You have to be going to the corner there.
06:20 PM GMT
90+2 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
There will be eight minutes of time added on now. That will feel like an eternity to those Newcastle fans.
Krafth picks out Wilson inside the box but his first touch lets him down and Quansah can shepherd the ball back to Kelleher.
06:19 PM GMT
90 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
You have to say, Salah has been incredibly quiet. There is still time yet but with a lot of the pre-match talk around which of the teams’ prolific forwards would step up, it certainly hasn’t been the Egyptian.
Pope picks up a yellow card for delaying the restart as Murphy, who is cramping up, is replaced by Krafth. Newcastle move into a back five.
06:16 PM GMT
88 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
Liverpool continue to probe in and around the Newcastle box but there seems to be no way through before Quansah lumps a ball into the area that is easy pickings for Pope.
There are reports of seven minutes of added time though so we are far from finished.
06:14 PM GMT
86 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
Liverpool keep giving the ball away and this time it is Livramento who has room for the shot from just inside the box but Jones is there to make the block. Newcastle fans appeal for the penalty but it looks like it was his chest.
Murphy wins a valuable free-kick on the edge of Newcastle’s box as he is hauled down by Gakpo and it takes them that bit closer to the full-time whistle. The camera shows the suspended Gordon waiting in the tunnel with a huge smile on his face.
06:12 PM GMT
83 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
Joelinton and Bruno combine with a tidy one-two on the edge of the box and the former works the room for the shot but he drags his effort wide of the near post.
Almost immediately after play resumes, Tonali has the room for the shot from range but Kelleher can parry the powerful effort away.
06:10 PM GMT
82 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
Jones picks up a clever position just on the edge of the box and as the ball is played into his feet, he swivels and lets fly but his effort rises over the bar.
Isak is down once again, with cramp it looks like, and he is going to replaced this time by Wilson while Barnes also makes way with Willock on in his place.
06:08 PM GMT
79 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
It’s a decent delivery from Szoboszlai but Burn is there with a thumping header to clear away. Moments later and Schar is in strongly to challenge Chiesa after the ball is pinged into the Italian’s feet inside the box.
There’s a long way to go for Newcastle but they are going to defend with all they have to protect this clean sheet.
06:07 PM GMT
78 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
The random formation and hurling on of attacking players feels rather un-Slot like but I suppose it’s desperate times now for the Dutchman.
We’re getting to backs against the wall territory for Newcastle now as Liverpool start to increase the frequency of balls into the box and they now have a free-kick just to the left of the box following a Bruno trip on Chiesa.
06:05 PM GMT
Time for Chiesa to step up
That moment when you remember Federico Chiesa is a Liverpool player... now would be a good time for him to justify his signing.
06:04 PM GMT
75 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
Elliot and Chiesa are now coming on in place of Gravenberch and Diaz. Another slight reshuffle perhaps.
It looks like a back-three of Quansah, Van Dijk and Robertson. A midfield of Jones, Szobozlai and Elliot behind the front four of Salah, Nunez, Gakpo and Chiesa.
06:02 PM GMT
73 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
Szoboszlai gives away the free-kick as he trips Bruno and the Liverpool man is really unhappy with that decision. Replays suggest he got the ball in fairness but Newcastle can load the box once more.
Liverpool can deal with this one as Slot prepares Elliot and Chiesa to come on. Wayward passes from Diaz and Quansah are met with jeers and it’s really not happening for them as of yet.
05:59 PM GMT
71 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
Newcastle are really knocking on the door for a third with Barnes slipped into the left of the box. He looks to square it around Kelleher to Schar but Liverpool can crowd out the centre-back.
Nunez’s wayward pass is then pinched by Murphy on the edge of the box but his left-footed effort bobbles on by the left post.
05:57 PM GMT
69 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
Newcastle have a wonderful counter-attacking opportunity, helped by Isak and Joelinton coming on at halfway after receiving treatment.
Tonali ignores the overlapping Burn and goes the other way to Isak but the striker’s pass for Joelinton is too heavy and out for a goal-kick. There would have been some controversy if that had ended in a goal.
05:56 PM GMT
68 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
Joelinton and Isak are both down for Newcastle. I have a feeling we will be seeing some more of this as the game goes on.
It’s Liverpool making the change though and Gakpo, the competition’s leading scorer this season, is on for Mac Allister.
05:54 PM GMT
65 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
What a chance for three! Bruno swings in a delightful cross to Barnes coming round the back and the winger is able to cushion a volley back across goal for Isak.
The ball is slightly behind the striker but he manages to sweep a volley goal-bound from a couple of yards out but it’s too close to Kelleher who reacts well still to parry away.
05:52 PM GMT
63 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
Jones slides Robertson into the left of the box, close to Pope’s goal, but Joelinton is tracking the run and produces a wonderful sliding block to prevent Robertson from squaring it or even troubling the keeper.
Pope then punches clear from the corner. The ball is quickly coming back into the box though as it’s floated towards Quansah but he is flattened by Burn in the aerial duel before Nunez’s touch is heavy and runs through to Pope.
05:50 PM GMT
Desperation from Slot?
Already feels a bit of desperation about the Liverpool substitutes with a centre-back sacrificed.
05:50 PM GMT
60 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
This is all about Jones. He starts the move by driving through midfield before feeding Szoboszlai to his left. The Hungarian then returns the favour as he tees up Jones, just inside the box.
Jones takes a touch before unleashing a powerful effort but Pope holds out a strong arm to turn it over and prevent it from flying into the roof of the net. A huge save!
Tonali is hurt after attempting to make the block but it looks like he will be able to continue after a bit of treatment.
05:48 PM GMT
58 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
Newcastle win yet another free-kick in the Liverpool half and once again, Burn goes trotting forward. He’ll fancy his chances even more now with Konate off.
The ball from Trippier isn’t the best as it veers away from the box, allowing Van Dijk to run onto it and clear.
05:46 PM GMT
Newcastle fans in tears
This is starting to turn into something truly remarkable for Newcastle United. There are fans crying in the stands, unable to believe what they are seeing.
Newcastle’s coaching staff had worked all week with Tino Livramento to increase his confidence crossing with his weaker left foot. It has paid dividends at is was his left-footed cross, knocked down by Jacob Murphy - yet another assist for the Magpies unsung hero - which is swept home by Alexander Isak.
05:45 PM GMT
57 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2
The Newcastle fans are going crazy and why wouldn’t they? Their team have been superb so far and have a deserved lead.
Slot has seen enough and is making a double-change with Konate and Jota going off in place of Jones and Nunez. A bit of a shuffle around then. Quansah into centre-back, but who goes right-back?
05:43 PM GMT
GOAL! Isak doubles Newcastle’s lead
Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 2 (Isak) They do now have two and Isak does have his goal! Barnes and Livramento combine nicely down Newcastle’s left before the latter hangs a cross up the back post.
Murphy leaps high to nod back inside and Isak manages to sweep home into the bottom left corner on the half-volley. A superb finish and Newcastle have a valuable two-goal lead!
05:41 PM GMT
51 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 1
Wow, Newcastle think they have doubled their lead but the flag is up. Trippier’s corner picks out Joelinton this time making the run around the back post.
His volley back across goal picks out Barnes and while his scuffed effort is saved, Isak is there to tuck home the rebound but the flag is up for Bruno standing in an offside position from the Barnes effort.
05:39 PM GMT
49 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 1
Liverpool have definitely turned things up a notch since the break. Having said that, Barnes earns yet another corner down Liverpool’s left as Quansah blocks his cross into the box. Burn has his hands in the air once again... he couldn’t, could he?
05:37 PM GMT
48 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 1
Liverpool start the half strongly with Van Dijk driving out well before sliding Jota into the left of the penalty area but Joelinton recovers well to cut out the striker’s cut-back towards Diaz.
05:34 PM GMT
46 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 1
We are back underway with Newcastle and Isak kicking things off, now shooting towards the sea of black and white. Can they hold onto their lead and win a first domestic title since 1955?
There are no changes to report from half-time.
05:32 PM GMT
The hero so far
Dan Burn (32y 311d) becomes the third-oldest Englishman to score in a League Cup final, after Stoke’s George Eastham in 1972 (35y 163d) and John Terry for Chelsea in 2015 (34y 84d).
05:30 PM GMT
Newcastle winning the midfield battle
Newcastle’s midfield trio of Bruno, Joelinton and Tonali have been excellent in that opening period, easily getting the better of their opposite numbers.
It may a case of legginess for Liverpool following their Champions League exits but Newcastle’s trio look the stronger, more energetic and up for the fight.
05:28 PM GMT
Liverpool toothless so far
That wayward Jota volley at the end of the first half was Liverpool’s first shot of the game, they are yet to manage an effort on target.
Newcastle meanwhile, have had nine shots, with three of them finding the target. Liverpool need to be a lot better after the break to trouble Pope.
05:21 PM GMT
Wonderful scenes in the Newcastle end
That goal celebration for Newcastle United was 25 years in the making. Rob Lee was the last Magpie player to score at Wembley in an FA Cup semi final defeat to Chelsea under Sir Bobby Robson in 2000.
My word the limbs, a seething mass of black and white leaping up and down. And it is local lad Dan Burn who has scored, a brilliant header into the far corner from quite a way out. Trippier’s delivery from the corner was superb and Big Dan Burn made as good a connection as you are likely to see. Newcastle deserve to be in front, they have been by far the better team.
05:20 PM GMT
Big half-time needed from Slot
It’s a bit of a cliche saying one side wants it more, but that was inescapable in that first half. Liverpool have not imposed themselves on the final at all yet.
The line ‘Slot has work to do at half-time’ has been a theme of the season. He has found a solution more often than not. Now he needs one on the biggest stage.
05:18 PM GMT
Half-time: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 1
Liverpool have their first chance right at the end of the first half as Salah’s deft cross picks out Diaz at the back post.
He nods back to Jota but he can’t get the right connection on his volley that goes well wide and that is that for the first half.
05:17 PM GMT
GOAL! Burn heads Newcastle into the lead
Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 1 (Burn) Who else but the Geordie, Dan Burn?
Trippier sends the corner from the left to the back post once again, where the big centre-back is waiting and he sends a powerful header back to where it came from into the bottom left corner.
The Newcastle fans are going absolutely bonkers and it’s a thoroughly deserved lead!
05:15 PM GMT
45 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
We’re back to the famous faces being shown on the big screen and this time it is the turn of Liverpool legends with Gerrard and Rush greeted with cheers by the red half of Wembley and boos by the other.
Newcastle send another free-kick into the box and Barnes does well to bring the loose ball under his control before letting fly and his effort is blocked for a corner.
05:13 PM GMT
Good tackles but a lack of chances
It possibly sums up this first half that the loudest cheer of the game so far is for a Joelinton tackle, the Newcastle United roaring their approval as he sprints back to tackle Quansah deep inside his own half.
It was a good piece of defensive play to be fair, but we have only had one shot on target in the first half and that was a Dan Burn header easily gathered by Kelleher.
05:12 PM GMT
42 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
A bit of a let-off for Newcastle. As a ball is played into the left of the box towards Diaz, the bouncing ball strikes the hand of Trippier but play is waved on.
There is a VAR check but they decide his arm was in a natural position to keep balance. Seen them given!
05:10 PM GMT
39 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
A concern for Newcastle as Trippier clutches his hamstring, with his right short rolled up. This would be a big blow, particularly given Hall’s absence.
A clash of heads brings the game to a pause but it looks like Tripper will continue.
05:09 PM GMT
39 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
Murphy’s header back to Pope is short of pace and distance but the goalkeeper is out really quickly to get there in front of Diaz and win the header.
Moments after Bruno shrugs Mac Allister off the ball, Joelinton gets the better of Quansah, who is looking to beat him on the outside, before winning the free-kick and that warrants a celebration in the eyes of the Brazilian. Newcastle’s midfield three has been superb so far, in fairness.
05:06 PM GMT
36 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
From the resulting corner, Burn comes round the back to win the header at the back post. He nods it goal-bound towards Bruno but the Brazilian can’t get enough contact on his header to beat Kelleher from a couple of yards out. That was a big chance really.
Liverpool are yet to have a shot in the opening 35 minutes. Surely that won’t last for much longer. Slot won’t be happy with what he’s seen though.
05:04 PM GMT
34 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
Liverpool players are unhappy with Trippier for pushing into Diaz as he was up in the air looking to win the header and the right-back gets a talking to. A pretty dangerous move really.
Barnes gets the better of Quansah on the outside before standing a cross up to the back post but Isak’s header is into the back of Roberston before the full-back blocks Trippier’s follow-up effort.
05:02 PM GMT
32 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
Roberston chips a ball in behind that sees Diaz played through on goal but Pope is out sharply to make a really good challenge on the edge of his box. The flag goes up anyway, with replays showing Diaz was a yard or two off.
Newcastle win another corner from Konate down their left but Van Dijk towers above the crowd to win the first header before the second ball into the box goes out for a goal-kick.
05:00 PM GMT
Already better from Newcastle than 2023
Well Newcastle have already done a lot better than they did on their last trip to Wembley, when they failed to turn up against Manchester United.
Eddie Howe’s side have looked the more dangerous of the two teams so far and Liverpool are struggling to find their rhythm.
Most of the noise has been coming from those in the black and white half of the stadium but Liverpooi have plenty of gears to move up and you suspect they will.
What is encouraging from a Newcastle perspective is they are playing the game not the occasion. Howe will be very pleased with the first 25 minutes even if they had not had a shot on target yet.
04:59 PM GMT
30 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
Liverpool win the free-kick just inside the Newcastle half and it’s their turn to load the box. It’s Robertson to swing it in but Burn stands tall to flick behind for a corner down the right.
Liverpool’s left-back is on set-piece duties once again but Joelinton wins the header.
04:58 PM GMT
Pope not called into action so far
It’s all been a bit attritional so far, the question being whether Newcastle can maintain their spectacular work rate. They’ve denied Liverpool any time and space in midfield, Pope not yet needed.
04:57 PM GMT
NFL-style camerawork in the stadium
500
You can tell there are longueurs in this match by the NFL-style camerawork in the stadium, with the giant screens lingering on shots of Ant and Dec in their black-and-white scarves and, of course, the man who immortally described himself as “only a sheet metal worker’s son from Newcastle”: Alan Shearer.
04:56 PM GMT
27 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
Trippier plays a perfectly weighted ball into the right channel for Murphy to run onto. He takes his time in delivering the ball into the box for Isak and Konate can get back to turn behind for a corner. Isak really wanted that earlier.
From the corner, Burn wins the knock-down and it lands at the feet of Bruno but Kelleher reacts well to smother the Brazilian and claim the loose ball.
04:54 PM GMT
24 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
Isak is played in behind for the first time as Barnes slips him ino the left of the box but he is forced slightly wide and recycles it to the edge of the box where Tonali is waiting.
The Italian shifts the ball onto his right foot but his curling effort whistles wide of the right post. Best effort of the match so far.
04:53 PM GMT
23 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
That’s sloppy though. Murphy goes short to Isak who looks to return the favour but he under-hits his lay-off and then brings down Jota who was about to nick it off them.
The camera pans to Ant and Dec before showing Alan Shearer and the Newcastle cheers for each just about drown out the Liverpool boos.
04:51 PM GMT
21 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
Salah slides Szoboszlai into the right channel but his low ball into the box is cleared by Schar who did well to get in front of Jota at the near post.
Bruno then holds the ball up well for Newcastle down their right, holding off the challenge of Gravenberch, before winning the corner as he looked to pick out Isak in the box.
04:49 PM GMT
19 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
Liverpool manage to get their foot on the ball and enjoy their first spell of sustained pressure so far but Mac Allister is shrugged off the balance by Bruno before going in late on Joelinton, who nipped in sharply, and he gives away the free-kick.
Newcastle will need plenty more of that from their midfield three if they want to stifle Liverpool today. Down the other end and Joelinton’s cross into the box is deflected and safely into the arms of Kelleher.
04:46 PM GMT
16 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
Quansah goes in really strongly and recklessly into a challenge on Livramento but he gets the ball which probably just about saves him from any kind of punishment.
The ball falls to Murphy on the edge of the box but his effort from range sails well over.
04:44 PM GMT
14 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
Van Dijk does well to cut out a Bruno through-ball looking to slide in Barnes before Tonali is unfortunate not to be given a free-kick as he is tugged down about 30 yards out.
Schar earns a free-kick on the edge of his own box and it feels like everyone just takes a breather for the first time in the opening 14 minutes.
04:42 PM GMT
Wingers v full-backs - a key battle this afternoon
Liverpool’s wingers versus Newcastle’s full-backs is a key battleground. Trippier and Livramento have started well.
04:41 PM GMT
12 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
Newcastle have another free-kick, which they send into the box once again, but Liverpool cope once again. Mac Allister stays down after being tumbled to the floor by Burn but he eventually gets himself back to his feet.
04:40 PM GMT
10 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
Burn manages to shepherd the ball out for a goal-kick as Salah tries to get round him and that earns arguably the loudest cheer of the day so far.
The Egyptian’s record of finals has been much-spoken of before kick-off, that he perhaps is not as prolific as he is throughout the rest of the season. Will he change this today?
04:39 PM GMT
National anthem divides the crowd
You would not exactly have described the Liverpool supporters’ reception of God Save the King today as rapturous. Sustained booing throughout. It was a replica of the scenes at this fixture last year, when the red half of Wembley also derided the national anthem - a stance originating in fans’ belief, hardening in the 1980s, that Liverpool had been abandoned by the British establishment.
04:37 PM GMT
8 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
Trippier’s corner from the right is flapped at by Kelleher but Liverpool get first to the second ball and can clear.
Robertson brings it forward down Liverpool’s left and gets crowded out by Tripper and Tonali but wins the free-kick, much to the dismay of the Newcastle faithful.
Mac Allister’s inswinging delivery is far too close to Pope though.
04:36 PM GMT
6 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
Mac Allister commits the foul down Newcastle’s left and it’s another chance for them to load the box. They have certainly started the better of the two sides.
Trippier plays it short to Barnes who combines nicely with Tonali to get into the left of the box and he wins a corner.
04:35 PM GMT
5 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
Diaz and Trippier have their first duel and it’s the full-back who comes out on top as he wins the foul. A decision met by a huge roar from the nearby fans.
Newcastle then come forward and Murphy sends in a wonderfully-shaped cross into the box that Barnes can get his foot to on the stretch, but his volley goes wide of the left post.
04:32 PM GMT
3 mins: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
Newcastle win a free-kick well inside their own half and send the big men forward for Trippier to send it long. You feel we will be seeing plenty more of that.
Murphy is played into the right channel and delivers a dangerous ball into the box but a combination of Van Dijk and Mac Allister gets it clear.
04:30 PM GMT
1 min: Liverpool 0 Newcastle United 0
We are underway at Wembley for the 65th League Cup final with Liverpool and Mac Allister kicking off going from right to left, away from their fans and towards the sea of black and white.
04:26 PM GMT
Newcastle fans in full voice
The camera pans across the Newcastle end, as the fans swirl scarves around their heads and unveil a flag reading: ‘Get into them’. They are really making themselves heard.
The Liverpool end looks a little more subdued. Kick-off is now five minutes away, but first, the national anthem.
04:23 PM GMT
Tension building as kick-off nears
Wembley looks full to the brim now with kick-off less than 10 minutes away as the pyrotechnics are set off and the flags are rolled out.
The players are waiting in the tunnel and you can really feel how much this means to both sides.
04:21 PM GMT
Newcastle fans in full voice
Telegraph HQ for our reporters at Wembley is very much deep in the Newcastle United end… suffice to say they are loud. Very loud.
04:19 PM GMT
Kick-off fast approaching
04:16 PM GMT
Newcastle stayed out of London last night
Eddie Howe has just told Sky Sports a key difference in Newcastle’s preparations compared to the last time they were in the League Cup final in 2023 is that they have stayed in a hotel outside of London, rather than in one right next to Wembley. Will that extra bit of experience be the key?
04:14 PM GMT
The dangermen
The final result of this afternoon’s tie is likely to depend on the performances of Alexander Isak and Mohamed Salah and how well the opposing defenders can deal with the two forwards.
Salah is having arguably his greatest season in a Liverpool shirt, with 44 goal involvements in the Premier League, comfortably leading the way for both goals and assists in the division.
Alexander Isak is also enjoying a prolific campaign, having scored 22 goals in all competitions and 19 goals in 25 games in the league – only Salah and Erling Haaland have more.
The Sweden international has also become renowned in recent campaigns for causing problems for the league’s best centre-backs. He made William Saliba and Gabriel look ordinary on several occasions across the two-legs of the semi final this season and has often troubled Virgil van Dijk in their meetings over the last few campaigns.
But which of the talismanic forwards will turn up for the big occasion this afternoon?
04:11 PM GMT
Newcastle ‘more accustomed to bigger games’, says Howe
Speaking this week, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has said 2023’s defeat against Manchester United and playing in last season’s Champions League means Newcastle have “become more accustomed to the bigger games”.
“That’s been a big part of what we’ve done since we’ve been here,” he added. “Big-game experience should help us when we need it.
“We’ve stayed competitive, in the main, in big games. Our style, we have adaptability, but also we have a clear method. A clear representation of us in and out of possession will be really important for us.
“We want to break that wait for a trophy. It’s not a negative. We’re trying to look at it the other way round, it’s the chance to make history and be remembered positively.”
04:08 PM GMT
Liverpool’s recent League Cup success
After not winning the competition for 10 years, Liverpool are looking to win their third League Cup in four seasons having triumphed in 2022 and 2024.
On both occasions, they beat Chelsea at Wembley, with both finals going to extra-time.
In 2022 it went all the way to penalties with Liverpool eventually winning 11-10 in the shoot-out as Kepa Arrizabalaga missing the crucial spot-kick after being subbed on the closing moments of extra-time.
Two years on though and it didn’t reach penalties as Virgil van Dijk headed in the only goal of the game in the 119th minute.
04:06 PM GMT
‘Hopeful we can make history’, says Bruno
Speaking to Sky Sports, Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes said: “I feel good, I feel unbelievable. It is nice to be here.
“It is the biggest stadium in the country and it is very good to be here. Hopeful we can play our best football and make history.”
04:05 PM GMT
Liverpool expect Newcastle to be ‘really aggressive’
Speaking to Sky Sports about Newcastle, Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister said: “They have good players and strong players.
“We expect them to be really aggressive. For them, it’s a huge opportunity to win something for a long time.”
04:03 PM GMT
Meetings already this season
If the first meeting between the sides this season is anything to go by, we are in for a real treat this afternoon.
The sides played out a 3-3 thriller at St James’ Park in December, with five of the goals coming in the second half, including Fabian Schar’s 90th-minute equaliser.
The reverse fixture was a more modest affair with goals coming from Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister in a comfortable 2-0 win for Liverpool at Anfield at the end of February.
04:01 PM GMT
The form guide
Newcastle come into this afternoon’s final in mixed form, having lost three of their last five games in all competitions, and winning the other two.
They suffered convincing defeats against Manchester City and Liverpool in the Premier League before being knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton, but they did come out on top in their last match, beating West Ham United 1-0 in the league on Monday.
As for Liverpool, they had been enjoying a strong run of results prior to the 1-0 defeat against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
They had won five of their last six in all competitions with wins over Man City, Newcastle and PSG in that time.
Their only defeats in the previous 16 came when Arne Slot fielded weakened sides against PSV in the Champions League and Plymouth in the FA Cup.
03:59 PM GMT
‘Newcastle will go all in’, says Slot
Speaking to Sky Sports just now about Trent Alexander-Arnold not playing, Liverpool boss Arne Slot said: “I don’t think it means that much different with the formation, but it definitely is different if you have Trent who can play the ball wherever he wants to.
“Jarell [Quansah] is good at set-pieces and this is what we saw against PSG. Everyone brings their own quality, but we won’t play a different style because we miss out on a player.”
On Newcastle, he said: “They will go all in, like they were at St. James’ Park. Letting us know that they are there. At Anfield they were waiting a bit more. At St. James’ Park they were constantly at us and that’s what you can expect in a final.”
On feeling nervous, Slot said: “Not so different than other games. If you work for Liverpool every game is important.
“I know it’s a final and it is special to be in this stadium. Looking forward to it, but the nine games that are coming are just as important.”
03:57 PM GMT
Gakpo on bench despite prolific campaign
Cody Gakpo leads the way in the Carabao Cup scoring charts with five goals in five games but he starts on the bench this afternoon. Will he grab number six if called upon?
03:53 PM GMT
Pope selected over Dubravka
I think it is the right call to play Nick Pope in goal rather than Martin Dubravka, even if some Newcastle supporters will disagree with me.
I might be old fashioned but in a cup final I want the goalkeeper who is better at saving shots and dealing with crosses than the one who is better playing out from the back with his feet.
There are not many better shot stoppers than Pope and he is far better at commanding his area than Dubravka too.
03:50 PM GMT
Newcastle after first domestic title since 1955
Newcastle United have a chance this afternoon to end a run of 70 years without winning a domestic title.
They also have the chance to win any kind of trophy for the first time in 56 years.
They last tasted victory in a major competition in the 1955 FA Cup final, while their most recent trophy in general was the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
Eddie Howe’s men missed the opportunity to end this drought in the League Cup final two years ago but lost to Manchester United.
03:47 PM GMT
Liverpool ‘looking forward’ to occasion, says Slot
Ahead of this afternoon’s final, Liverpool manager Arne Slot has said: “You play games like this to win it, and that’s what we’re going to try to do.
“And we’re really looking forward to it, to playing a final again, because you cannot take a final for granted, especially not in this country with so many good teams involved in every cup competition.
“So we’re looking forward that we are part of it, and if you are part of it, of course you want and try to win it. But that’s probably what Newcastle wants as well.”
On the disappointment of going out of the Champions League, he said: “If we win or lose the final, there will be disappointment that we lost against Paris St-Germain, we are out of that tournament.”
03:43 PM GMT
A lot of eyes on Quansah
There will be added poignancy if Jarell Quansah grabs the headlines today, as he deputises for Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Back in June when Liverpool made a move for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, one of the reasons the transfer never materialised was because the North East side wanted Quansah in part-exchange. Liverpool rated the young defender too highly, so that was that.
Quansah has had an up and down season since after he was subbed at half-time in Slot’s first competitive game against Ipswich last August.
But Thomas Tuchel’s call-up underlined why Quansah is regarded as such a big prospect. There couldn’t be a bigger stage to justify England recognition, and show why both Liverpool and Newcastle wanted him in their line-up.
03:40 PM GMT
Liverpool chasing the double in Slot’s debut season
Despite Liverpool seeing their hopes of a treble dashed this week as they were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris Saint-Germain on penalties, a Premier League and League Cup double remain firmly on the cards in Arne Slot’s first season at the club.
Victory this afternoon would see the Dutchman get his hands on his first piece of silverware since his arrival at Anfield and with Liverpool 12 points clear at the summit of the Premier League, a second is surely not far away now either.
03:36 PM GMT
Those teams in full
Liverpool: Kelleher; Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota.
Subs: Chiesa, Elliot, Endo, Gakpo, Jones, Alisson, McConnell, Nunez, Tsimikas.
Newcastle United: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Bruno, Tonali, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Barnes.
Subs: Dubravka, Krafth, Longstaff, Miley, Neave, Osula, Targett, Willock, Wilson.
03:34 PM GMT
Newcastle unchanged
Newcastle are unchanged from the win over West Ham United on Monday as Barnes starts out on the left for Howe’s men in Gordon’s absence.
03:31 PM GMT
Two changes for Liverpool
Arne Slot makes two changes to the Liverpool team which started in the defeat against Paris Saint-Germain in the week as Kelleher and Quansah come in for Allison and Alexander-Arnold.
03:29 PM GMT
Huge occasion for travelling Newcastle fans
You can tell which of these two clubs is used to playing in cup finals.
Newcastle fans have one again travelled in vast numbers to London, many of them without tickets, for the whole weekend. A march south to take over the capital.
You couldn’t walk more than a few metres yesterday without seeing someone with a Newcastle top or scarf. There was a carnival atmosphere at Covent Garden where most congregated due to the closure of Trafalgar Square.
In contrast, Liverpool have seen it all before, their supporters mainly travel down from Merseyside on the day of the game. It all feels far more routine. They normally head back home with the trophy while all Newcastle fans have for their trouble is a hangover.
Newcastle, by the way, are expected to name the same team that beat West Ham on Monday with Nick Pope in goal and Harvey Barnes on the left wing.
03:26 PM GMT
Atmosphere building at Wembley
03:23 PM GMT
How Newcastle reached Wembley
Newcastle’s League Cup journey started in the second round in August as they beat Nottingham Forest on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the City Ground.
Home victories over AFC Wimbledon, Chelsea and Brentford saw them reach the last four, where they would face Arsenal.
Newcastle were able to see off Mikel Arteta’s men in ruthless fashion, winning 2-0 at the Emirates before winning by the same scoreline at St James’ Park as they sailed through to the final.
03:19 PM GMT
Liverpool’s journey to the final
Liverpool’s League Cup campaign started with a 5-1 hammering of West Ham United in September before a much closer affair at Brighton & Hove Albion in the last 16 where they edged through as 3-2 victors.
A 2-1 win away to Southampton followed in the quarter-finals to set up a last semi-final tie with Tottenham Hotspur.
Despite Ange Postecoglou’s men winning the first leg in north London 1-0, they were swept away by Liverpool at Anfield as Arne Slot’s marched on to the final with a 4-1 aggregate victory.
03:14 PM GMT
Slot on Quansah call-up
Jarell Quansah, who is likely to slot in at right-back this afternoon for Liverpool, was called up to the England squad by Thomas Tuchel on Friday.
Discussing this achievement and his progress in general, manager Arne Slot has said: “It says a lot about his mentality.
“Last season everyone saw what a talent he is. Then, this season started with him starting, but I changed him against Ipswich and Ibou and Virgil [Van Dijk] were - and are - such a strong combination that he didn’t play a lot.
“Afterwards, every time he played, everyone could see that he is no longer just a [young] talent because as a [young] talent you don’t have any setbacks.
“The moment you get setbacks, it’s about how you react and I think he showed in his recent performances that he outgrew being called a [young] talent and that is probably what Thomas Tuchel saw and sees by calling him up.”
03:11 PM GMT
‘Losing big players never easy’, says Howe
Discussing Newcastle’s absentees, which include Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall, manager Eddie Howe has said this week: “Losing big important players is never easy, but you have to come back stronger in a unified way.
“We’ve tried to double down on our core strengths. The spirit is really good and that’s why the win at West Ham was so important. Everything is positive.
“Genuinely, whenever I look at a team selection, there is always decisions to make. We’re looking at the opposition and figuring out who needs to slot in where. We have a very tight squad, so there aren’t loads of options.”
03:07 PM GMT
Will Gakpo be in from the start?
5 games. 5 goals. Cody Gakpo leads the way in the Carabao Cup scoring charts ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️
He'll be looking for more today to secure Liverpool's first trophy of the season ???? pic.twitter.com/87k8NKYUuw
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 16, 2025
03:03 PM GMT
Key injury news
Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold is facing an extended spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury sustained against PSG on Tuesday.
It leaves Slot without a recognised right back with Conor Bradley and Joe Gomez still recovering from their respective injuries as x starts in that role this afternoon.
Newcastle will be without centre-back Sven Botman and left-back Lewis Hall, with the pair picking up injuries this month.
Anthony Gordon is also absent as he serves a three-game suspension after being shown a red card against Brighton in the FA Cup.
02:57 PM GMT
‘Big decisions in goal and upfront’
Anyone betting against extra-time and penalties today? Liverpool have won the League Cup in its various guises ten times, but it is worth noting that only twice - against Bolton Wanderers in 1995 and Manchester United in 2003 - did they do so within 90 minutes. After Liverpool’s gruelling 120 minutes against PSG in midweek, Eddie Howe may be quite happy to play the long game today.
Arne Slot’s big decisions are in goal and upfront. The Dutchman all but confirmed pre-match Caoimhin Kelleher will start, as he did in 2022 and 2024 when his contribution was crucial to defeating Chelsea. Liverpool’s front three will certainly include Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz. Cody Gakpo looked rusty when he made his return from injury against PSG, so the smart money is on Diogo Jota starting.
02:37 PM GMT
Geordies en masse
02:31 PM GMT
Newcastle on verge of ending drought
Good afternoon and welcome to live coverage of the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium as Liverpool look to claim their first title under Arne Slot while Newcastle United have the chance to win their first domestic trophy since 1955.
The League Cup was the final trophy that Liverpool won under Slot’s predecessor, as Jurgen Klopp’s kids beat Chelsea in extra-time in last season’s final. The Dutchman now has the opportunity to highlight the success and seamless nature of his transition and takeover at Anfield by defending that same title a year on.
Despite their midweek exit in the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain ruling out a treble in Slot’s first season, Liverpool will be hungry to complete the first half of a domestic double this afternoon, as they sit 15 points clear at the top of the Premier League with nine games to go.
As for Newcastle, they will not want a repeat of their last League Cup final appearance. Eddie Howe’s men were beaten 2-0 by Manchester United when they reached Wembley two years ago, squandering the chance to end their lengthy trophy drought. The club last tasted victory in a domestic competition in the 1955 FA Cup, while their most recent trophy of any kind was the 1969 Inter-Cities Fairs Cup.
The two teams progressed through their semi-final ties in emphatic fashion, with Liverpool beating Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 on aggregate, while Newcastle swept aside Arsenal, coming out 4-0 winners over two legs.
There are notable absentees from either side with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley both out with injuries at right-back for Liverpool, while Newcastle United will be without their first-choice left-hand side with Anthony Gordon serving his three-match suspension following a straight-red card in the FA Cup and Lewis Hall ruled out until the end of the season with a foot injury.
