The wait is over! Newcastle United crowned Carabao Cup champions after victory over Liverpool | OneFootball

Newcastle United fans arrived at Wembley Stadium with hope but also fear today.

Decades of heartbreak had conditioned them to expect the worst. Since their last domestic trophy in 1955, they had seen near misses and painful defeats. This time, it was different.

The Carabao Cup is theirs, and they did it by beating one of the giants of English football.

Liverpool were the favourites, the seasoned winners. Newcastle were the underdogs, battling injuries and a poor recent record against their opponents. It did not matter.

The defining moment came just before half-time. Dan Burn rose to meet Kieran Trippier’s corner and powered a header into the net. Wembley erupted.

A local lad, living the dream, had given Newcastle the lead. It was a goal that set the tone for what was to come.

Alexander Isak made it 2-0 early in the second half with an instinctive half-volley. Newcastle fans could scarcely believe what they were seeing. For once, they were not the victims of cruel luck.

Federico Chiesa pulled one back in stoppage time, but it was too late. Newcastle refused to buckle. When the final whistle blew, the celebrations exploded.

This was not just about winning a trophy. It was about breaking free from decades of frustration.

Newcastle had played in six Wembley finals since 1955 and lost all of them. The pain of those defeats made this moment even sweeter.

It was fitting that the win came under Eddie Howe, a manager who has transformed the club. When he arrived in 2021, Newcastle were battling relegation. They are now cup winners.

The team’s spirit was evident throughout the match. Joelinton epitomised it, sprinting back to dispossess Jarell Quansah in the first half before roaring at the fans.

Burn was immense, not just for his goal but for his defensive resilience. Bruno Guimaraes and Isak provided the quality.

Liverpool had won this competition last season and were chasing another, but Newcastle wanted it more. Arne Slot’s side never settled and were outmuscled and outfought.

For Newcastle fans, this is more than silverware. It is validation. They have waited a lifetime to feel this way. Now, they are winners.