On Sunday, Liverpool and Chelsea will contest the 64th League Cup (Carabao Cup) final at Wembley. It will be a rematch of the 2022 final, when Liverpool defeated Chelsea on penalties 11-10 after an incredible nil-nil draw after 120 minutes.
It was a modern classic England’s often-unloved secondary cup tournament. Despite the Carabao Cup falling behind the Premier League and FA Cup domestically, it continues to provide fans with an exciting midweek set of matches through the campaign.
Dating back to 1960, the Carabao Cup has evolved into a cherished tradition, witnessing iconic moments and underdog triumphs over its six-decade journey.
Conceived as a remedy for dwindling attendances in English football, the League Cup emerged as a visionary initiative. Aston Villa's historic victory in 1961 marked the inception of a competition that would endure for over 60 years.
Initially dominated by top-tier teams, the League Cup gradually became a platform for lower division clubs to showcase their prowess, epitomised by Aston Villa's triumph in 1976-77, igniting a new era of competitiveness.
Throughout its history, the League Cup has been a breeding ground for historic upsets and unforgettable moments. Lower league clubs have used the competition to showcase emerging talent.
In 2014, MK Dons pulled off one of the biggest League cup tournament upsets, defeating Manchester United 4-0. In 2019, Oxford United knocked out West Ham 4-0.
All the way back in 2010, Liverpool were embarrassed by Northampton Town. The Reds lost 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
Perhaps the biggest upset in a final came in 2011. While many fans will have forgotten the final, Birmingham City and Arsenal fans won’t. Obafemi Martins’ late goal gave Birmingham City a 2-1 win over the Gunners.
From its inception to its current incarnation as the Carabao Cup, the tournament has undergone various name changes reflecting its sponsors' affiliations.
Over the decades, it has been known as the Football League Cup, Milk Cup, Littlewoods Challenge Cup, and other titles, each chapter adding to its colorful legacy and cultural significance. Here is the full list:
A testament to its esteemed history, the Carabao Cup boasts a distinguished list of champions, with Liverpool leading the pack with nine titles.
Manchester City, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Manchester United follow closely, each engraving their names in football lore with multiple triumphs. United are the most recent winners, having defeated Newcastle in 2023 for their sixth League Cup.
⏮️ A Chelsea #CarabaoCup classic. 🤌#CFC | #CarabaoCupFinal pic.twitter.com/xnXjjkSYzK— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 21, 2024
⏮️ A Chelsea #CarabaoCup classic. 🤌#CFC | #CarabaoCupFinal pic.twitter.com/xnXjjkSYzK
With each edition, it reaffirms its status as a cornerstone of English football history, promising new tales of triumph and glory for generations to come.