Newcastle United have won their first domestic trophy in 70 years after beating Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup.
Tens of thousands of Magpies fans flooded the capital to watch their team end their drought against last year’s winners at Wembley.
Newcastle lifted the European Inter-City Fairs Cup in 1969 but haven’t won a domestic trophy since their 1955 FA Cup victory.
Liverpool, who have won 38 major trophies since the Black and Whites last got their hands on any silverware, went into the match as heavy favourites.
The last time the teams met, in the league last month, Liverpool eased to a 2-0 win – and they sit comfortably top of the Premier League table, seemingly headed for the title.
TV presenters Declan Donnelly and Ant McPartlin celebrate in the stands. Pic: Reuters
Fans celebrate in a pub in Newcastle. Pic: Reuters
But Newcastle had the best of the first half and got their reward as local hero Dan Burn headed home from a corner just before half time, sending supporters into dreamland.
They found the back of the net again early in the second half, but the celebrations were cut short as the goal was disallowed for offside.
Minutes later, Alexander Isak struck and this time it did count, doubling Newcastle’s lead and sending the Geordie faithful in the crowd wild once more.
Dan Burn (left) and Fabian Schar celebrate winning the Carabao Cup. Pic: PA
Newcastle win Carabao Cup. Pic: Reuters
Liverpool gave themselves a lifeline in stoppage time with a goal from Federico Chiesa – after a tense VAR check – but Newcastle held on to secure the win.
Eddie Howe becamed the first English manager to win a domestic trophy since Harry Redknapp in 2008 in front of a crowd of 88,513.
After the final whistle, TV presenters Declan Donnelly and Ant McPartlin were among fans rejoicing in the stands, while those who hadn’t made the trip celebrated across Newcastle.
Bruno Guimaraes described his side’s win as “one of the best days” of his life, telling Sky Sports: “It’s a lot for these fans, they deserve everything.”
“For them this is like the World Cup. People have not seen Newcastle as champions. We are here to make history and I’m very happy. We deserve this, this is unbelievable.”
Liverpool’s League Cup loss comes just days after the Premier League leaders were knocked out of the Champions League by Paris St Germain (PSG) on penalties.
