Newcastle United lead Liverpool to stand on the brink of glory after snatching a 2-0 lead at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final.
Newcastle have not won a major domestic trophy in 70 years but Dan Burn’s bullet header and a stunning Alexander Isak finish have putt Eddie Howe‘s side in command.
Arne Slot sent on Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones, removing Ibrahima Konate and Diogo Jota, in an attack-minded double substitution with more than half an hour remaining.
The Reds aimed to bounce back from a demoralising penalty shoot-out defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and are looking to win a first trophy under Arne Slot. They are the record winners of the League Cup and lifted a 10th title by beating Chelsea under Jurgen Klopp last season. Klopp’s final trophy at Liverpool could be followed by Slot’s first.
Follow all the build-up and team news ahead of Liverpool vs Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final, below:
Liverpool vs Newcastle LIVE: Carabao Cup final updates
- Liverpool and Newcastle meet in Carabao Cup final at Wembley
- 64’ SAVE! Kelleher keeps Liverpool in the game with save from close range (LIV 0-2 NEW)
- 59’ Jones is denied by Pope’s right hand (LIV 0-2 NEW)
- 52’ GOAL! Isak turns home Murphy’s knockdown (LIV 0-2 NEW)
- 51’ DISALLOWED! Isak’s goal is ruled out (LIV 0-1 NEW)
- 45’ GOAL! Dan Burn nods Magpies ahead on stroke of half-time (LIV 0-1 NEW)
- 24’ CHANCE! Tonali whips a shot wide from the edge of the box (LIV 0-0 NEW)
Liverpool FC 0 – 2 Newcastle United FC
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
17:58 , Mike Jones
69 mins: Jacob Murphy takes the ball off Gakpo and looks to place a shot into the bottom corner.
He guides it wide.
Liverpool are open and are there for the taking. They’re going all out to attack. Newcastle know another goal makes it game over.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
17:55 , Mike Jones
67 mins: There’s a break in play as a couple of Newcastle players need treatment.
Alexander Isak is one and Joelinton the other. Two crucial players for Eddie Howe.
Cody Gakpo is on for Liverpool with Alexis Mac Allister taken off.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
17:53 , Mike Jones
64 mins: Save!
Newcastle come at Liverpool again. A long ball is won by Guimaraes who dinks it into the box and finds Barnes.
He chips the ball to Isak whose shot is pushed clear by Kelleher.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
17:51 , Mike Jones
63 mins: Joelinton blocks a crucial shot from Robertson and lets out a roar. He is well up for this one.
Liverpool’s corner is swung in by Mac Allister but Pope is there to punch it away.
Newcastle may have to do a lot more defending unless they can score again.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
17:48 , Mike Jones
59 mins: Save!
Incredible. Liverpool burst forward on the break and sweep the ball into the box.
It’s pulled back to Jones who shoots and is denied by the strong right hand of Nick Pope.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
17:46 , Mike Jones
57 mins: Newcastle are well on top now.
“This is really special, they’re almost crying, I’m almost crying for them. It’s brilliant football.” say Gary Neville on Sky Sports.
“Murphy really good, but then, that’s not easy, he sweeps it into the net, what a finish, what a game.”
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
17:45 , Mike Jones
56 mins: Darwin Nunez and Curtis Jones come on to replace Ibrahima Konate and Diogo Jote.
Attacking changes from Slot.
Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle
17:43 , Mike Jones
54 mins: Liverpool need a response and they nedd it now.
Arne Slot is looking to the bench.
Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:43 , Jamie Braidwood
54 mins: Liverpool got a let-off. Two minutes later, Alexander Isak scores again. And this one does count. Liverpool have not dealt with Newcastle’s direct approach all afternoon. Murphy got the jump on Robertson and that is a perfect striker’s finish from Isak. The Newcastle fans at Wembley will be starting to believe that they are witnessing a historic afternoon.
GOAL! Liverpool 0-2 Newcastle (Alexander Isak, 52′)
17:42 , Mike Jones
That will stand!
It’s the dangerman as well. Alexander Isak gives Newcastle hope that the trophy is coming hom with them.
Tino Livramento comes down the left and flicks the ball into the box. Jacob Murphy wins the header and nods it down to Isak who curls the ball home!
Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:40 , Mike Jones
51 mins: Disallowed!
Newcastle have the ball in the back of the net again. Trippier curls the ball to the back post where Joelinton arrives.
He pulls the ball back to Burn who shoots. Guimaraes is stood in front of Kelleher who drops to the right and keeps the ball out.
The rebound comes to Isak who turns it home.
The offside flag goes up immediately!
Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:37 , Jamie Braidwood
48 mins: I would guess based on the first couple of minutes of the second half that Arne Slot told his players to be braver on the ball and try and play through Newcastle’s high press. It almost worked there but Joelinton has been everywhere today and cuts it out.
Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:36 , Mike Jones
48 mins: Eddie Howe will have told his team to play in exactly the same way.
Going too defensive will allow Liverpool to get into the game.
Van Dijk drives forward and sends the ball into the box for Jota.
He cuts it back towards Diaz but Joelintion sticks out a leg and pokes the ball away!
Second half! Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:34 , Mike Jones
The ball is rolling at Wembley again as Alexander Isak knocks it back to Fabian Schar.
He lofts it over to the left wing but Liverpool recover the ball.
The Reds need to up the tempo or else their title will be heading to St. James’ Park.
Half-time: Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:31 , Mike Jones
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp says:
“They’ve been very direct Newcastle and that’s made Liverpool uneasy.
“They’ve been fabulous.”
Half-time: Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:27 , Mike Jones
Newcastle had nine shots in the first half with three of them on target.
Dan Burn’s goal is the difference.
In contrast, Liverpool had one shot. That was a very poor 45 minutes for Arne Slot’s men.
Half-time: Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:23 , Mike Jones
Dan Burn has given Newcastle the lead in the Carabao Cup final.
Can Eddie Howe’s men go on to win this trophy now?
Half-time: Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:19 , Jamie Braidwood
Liverpool wouldn’t have deserved to be level. They almost were. Salah comes alive at last in stoppage time and finds Diaz with the outside of his foot. Jota’s tough run in front of goal continues as he shanks wide. Liverpool were almost out of jail but trail at the break as Burn blows kisses to the Newcastle fans.
Half-time! Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:19 , Mike Jones
45+2 mins: Jota has a chance to equalise just before the break.
Mo Salah dinks the ball into the box, Diaz nods it down but Jota snatches at the shot and hooks it wide.
Eddie Howe’s men head into the break with the lead.
Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle
17:17 , Jamie Braidwood
Newcastle’s sixth corner of the half and they get the breakthrough at last right on the stroke of half time.
Of course Dan Burn was the target. The giant centre-back stayed clear at the back post, with Alexis Mac Allister closest but unable to offer any competition.
What a header. What a week for Burn, having received his first England call up two days ago.
GOAL! Liverpool 0-1 Newcastle (Dan Burn, 45′)
17:16 , Mike Jones
Harvey Barnes takes a shot from the left side of the box and wins a corner as Ibrahima Konate turns the ball behind.
The resultant corner is sent deep into the box. Dan Burn lunges at it and wins the header.
He directs it down into the ground and guides the ball into the far bottom corner!
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:11 , Mike Jones
42 mins: The ball strikes Trippier’s hand inside the Newcastle box as he tries to get to the ball before Luis Diaz.
VAR looks at the incident and decides against awarding a penalty.
Trippier’s arm is out to help him maintain balance and therefore not in an unnatural decision is the official word.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:09 , Mike Jones
39 mins: Tripper is clutching his right hamstring may have an issue.
That won’t be a good thing for Newcastle.
Konate and Joelinton then tussle over an aerial ball with the Liverpool defender winning the ball.
It drops towards Tonali and Szoboszlai who clash heads and cause a pause in the game.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:09 , Jamie Braidwood
38 mins; Joelinton turns and roars to the Newcastle fans after racing back to dispossess Quansah. In response, the Newcastle fans chant his name. Hard to argue against the idea that Newcastle just want this more at present.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:07 , Mike Jones
36 mins: The corner is sent over to the far post where Burn wins the header.
He gets it to Schar, I think, but his flick on lands in Kelleher’s arms.
Positive stuff for Newcastle.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:06 , Jamie Braidwood
35 mins: Newcastle almost find the opening goal from what was their sixth corner of the final already. Burn was the obvious target but won his header at the back post and Guimaraes flick would have beaten Kelleher if either side of the goalkeeper.
Newcastle have not seen much of the ball but their direct approach has unnerved Liverpool.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:05 , Mike Jones
33 mins: Brilliant from Robertson!
Harvey Barnes gets a bit of space on the left side and lifts a cross into the box.
Isak wins the header but nods it straight at the left-back who blocks it.
Following up is Trippier but his shot is blocked by Robertson as well and goes out for a corner.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
17:00 , Mike Jones
30 mins: Robertson then delivers the corner which Joelinton handles well enough.
The Reds win a throw in that gets played back to Konate.
He gives it to Quansah who threads a pass forward which gets intercepted.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:58 , Mike Jones
28 mins: Mo Salah has been starved of service so far but that is down to Newcastle determined effort to restrict him.
Luis Diaz is seeing more space on the opposite wing as a result and he wins a free kick.
Andy Robertson stands over the ball before flicking it into the box.
Schar gets his head on it first and deflects it out for a corner.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:58 , Jamie Braidwood
27 mins: Potentially the biggest moment of the game, without a shot on target. Quansah’s heavy touch almost saw Isak race through but Konate’s recovering challenge was excellent and perfectly timed. It was a huge boost for Slot that Konate was fit.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:56 , Mike Jones
27 mins: A high corner is sent over to the far post from Newcastle.
Dan Burn wins the header and nods it down to Bruno Guimaraes.
He takes the ball to the nearest post and looks to turn but Caoimhin Kelleher charges at him and smothers the ball before he gets a shot away.
Strong from the goalkeeper.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:54 , Mike Jones
24 mins: The last eight teams to score first in the League Cup final have gone on to win it.
That might be why the two teams are being cagey. Liverpool’s play is possession based, Newcastle are trying to be more direct.
Barnes and Isak combine to get the ball into the box. Isak knocks it back to Sandro Tonali who curls an effort at the target but whips it wide of the far post!
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:52 , Mike Jones
22 mins: Jacob Murphy passes a short corner to Alexander Isak who is put under pressure from Diogo Jota.
Jota is knocked over by the Newcastle forward which results in a Liverpool free kick.
Not the greatest set piece from Eddie Howe’s men.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:51 , Jamie Braidwood
22 mins: There is enough evidence early on that Newcastle’s shape out of possession is going to frustrate Liverpool. Of the 22 players on the pitch, we’ve seen the least from the two biggest stars: Salah and Isak have barely had a touch yet.
The biggest cheer of the afternoon is the big screen at Wembley showing Ant, Dec and Alan Shearer in attendance.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:50 , Mike Jones
20 mins: Mo Salah drops deeper to collect the ball and slips it down the wing for Dominik Szoboszlai.
He pulls a pass into the box where Diogo Jota is arriving but Fabian Schar beats him to the ball and boots it away.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:48 , Mike Jones
18 mins: Bruno Guimaraes nicks the ball off Mac Allister who then takes out Joelinton trying to win it back.
Earlier Jarell Quansah leapt into a heavy challenge and was lucky not to give up a free kick.
There’s an old school physical nature to the game so far. Quite enjoyable to watch and the referee is being lenient enough to let the game flow.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:45 , Mike Jones
15 mins: Quarter of an hour gone at Wembley with neither goalkeeper having been put under pressure.
Both teams are trying to assert some control on the game but it’s been a physical battle with no clear winner as of yet.
Bruno Guimaraes looks to send a pass through to Harvey Barnes but Virgil van Dijk spots it and intercepts.
Jacob Murphy is then fed the ball in a bit of space and goes for goal. He unleashes on the ball from range and smokes it well over the top.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:43 , Jamie Braidwood
12 mins: Liverpool faced a really tough midfield three against PSG and Newcastle’s trio offers a very different test. The ball-playing ability of Guimaraes and Tonali is complemented by the explosiveness of Joelinton, who can be Newcastle’s most attacking midfielder one moment and their deepest the next.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:41 , Mike Jones
12 mins: Another Newcastle free kick, this time on the halfway line, is floated up the pitch by Trippier.
Dan Burn looks to get on the end of it and clatters into Alexis Mac Allister knocking the Liverpool midfielder to the ground and giving up a free kick of his own.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:39 , Mike Jones
9 mins: Alexis Mac Allister threads a through ball in behind the Newcastle defence and gets Mo Salah sprinting forward.
The ball is travelling too quickly and runs out of play for a goal kick before the winger can get there.
Newcastle have started well but that’s a sign of intent from Liverpool.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:37 , Mike Jones
6 mins: Kieran Trippier whips the corner into the penalty area.
Caoimhin Kelleher comes off his line and punches at the ball.
He gets a hand to it and the Liverpool defence complete the clearance.
Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:36 , Mike Jones
4 mins: Newcastle win a free kick inside the final third. It’s slipped to Harvey Barnes who makes a run into the box.
His pull back is deflected and goes out for the first corner of the game.
Kick off! Liverpool 0-0 Newcastle
16:30 , Mike Jones
Liverpool get the ball rolling and work it over to the right side of the pitch.
There’s tussle for possession and the ball goes out for a Liverpool throw in.
Liverpool fans boo the national anthem
16:27 , Jamie Braidwood
Jeers and whistles from the Liverpool end as ‘God Save the King’ is played at Wembley. Liverpool have been regular visitors to Wembley in recent years and the Reds fans have been consistent in expressing that sentiment. Kick-off is next!
Liverpool vs Newcastle
16:25 , Mike Jones
Virgil van Dijk and Bruno Guimaraes lead out their respective teams onto the pitch at Wembley.
The banners have been unfurled. The noise levels have been ramped up.
The stadium is packed and the anticipation is building nicely.
Kick off is up next…
Newcastle daring to dream
16:23 , Jamie Braidwood
“Get into them” reads a banner in the Newcastle end. Newcastle didn’t really turn up when they faced Manchester United here two years ago. They are a stronger side now and their fans are right up for this.
Alexander Isak is not thinking about future ahead of Carabao Cup final
16:20 , Mike Jones
Newcastle striker Alexander Isak has put talks over his future on hold as he attempts to help end the club’s 70-year wait for a domestic trophy in Sunday’s Carabao Cup final clash with Liverpool.
The 25-year-old Sweden international’s scintillating goalscoring form – he has 22 to his name so far this season – has seen him repeatedly linked with a move away from St James’ Park with Arsenal among the destinations persistently touted.
Alexander Isak is not thinking about future ahead of Carabao Cup final
Eddie Howe’s well drilled team
16:15 , Mike Jones
Newcastle have only failed to score in two of their last 22 matches – league defeats at Manchester City and Liverpool.
And they have conceded more than one goal in just one of their last 22 Carabao Cup fixtures (13 clean sheets), with that coming in the 2023 final defeat.
Gakpo’s competition
16:10 , Mike Jones
Since making his Carabao Cup debut in September 2023, Cody Gakpo has scored nine goals in 11 appearances in the competition (five more than any other player).
His five goals in 2024-25 are the most by a Reds player in a single League Cup campaign since Robbie Fowler netted six in 2000-01.
Arne Slot explains decision to start Caoimhin Kelleher over Alisson in Carabao Cup final
16:07 , Mike Jones
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has explained his decision to start goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of Alisson for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle and says it was “not that difficult”.
The 26-year-old Irishman will start in his third Carabao Cup final in a row for Liverpool after starring in the Reds’ previous two victories at Wembley in this competition in 2022 and 2024.
Arne Slot explains decision to start Caoimhin Kelleher in Carabao Cup final
Liverpool’s biggest threat
16:05 , Mike Jones
Mohamed Salah has been directly involved in 18 goals in 16 appearances against Newcastle for Liverpool in all competitions (10 goals, eight assists).
Only against Manchester United (22) and Manchester City (21) has he been involved in more.
Eleven of the Reds’ last 15 goals versus Newcastle have been either scored (four) or assisted (seven) by Salah.
Liverpool make two changes from PSG
16:04 , Jamie Braidwood
Arne Slot says the decision to play back-up Caoimhin Kelleher, who has started Liverpool’s last two Carabao Cup triumphs, ahead of Alisson was “not that difficult”.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out of the Carabao Cup final and faces an extended spell on the sidelines after suffering an ankle injury in the defeat to PSG. With Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley also unavailable, Alexander-Arnold is replaced by Jarell Quansah at right back. Ibrahima Konate it fit.
Unchanged Newcastle
16:04 , Jamie Braidwood
Newcastle have endured a tough run of luck ahead of the Carabao Cup final, losing their first-choice left side after Anthony Gordon was suspended for three games and Lewis Hall suffered a season-ending injury. Sven Botman is also unavailable for Eddie Howe, who is yet to beat Liverpool while in charge of Newcastle.
But Howe names an unchanged team from Monday night’s win at West Ham. Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento start at left wing and left back respectively, with Kieran Trippier at right back. Alexander Isak and Joelinton were unavailable for Newcastle’s defeat to Liverpool late last month but are available to boost Howe’s side.
Slot explains decision to start Kelleher in Carabao Cup final
16:01 , Jamie Braidwood
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot has explained his decision to start goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher ahead of Alisson for the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle and says it was “not that difficult”.
The 26-year-old Irishman will start in his third Carabao Cup final in a row for Liverpool after starring in the Reds’ previous two victories at Wembley in this competition in 2022 and 2024.
Kelleher has played in every Carabao Cup round for Liverpool this season, barring the semi-final first leg defeat at Tottenham, and was impressive earlier in the campaign when first-choice keeper Alisson was injured.
Arne Slot explains decision to start Caoimhin Kelleher in Carabao Cup final
Liverpool’s unbeaten run
16:00 , Mike Jones
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last 17 games against Newcastle since a 2-0 loss at St. James’ Park in December 2015.
Only against Norwich City (19) are they currently enjoying a longer run without defeat.
A long wait for Newcastle
15:50 , Mike Jones
Newcastle’s last major domestic trophy win was the 1955 FA Cup, beating Manchester City 3-1 at Wembley.
Chasing Manchester United
15:45 , Mike Jones
Liverpool have won 18 domestic English cup trophies – 10 League Cups, eight FA Cups.
They could equal Manchester United’s haul of 19 if they are victorious this afternoon.
Kelleher starts ahead of Alisson in Carabao Cup final
15:34 , Jamie Braidwood
There’s only one place to start in terms of team news: Arne Slot has gone for Kelleher over Alisson in a huge call. The Irishman played in every game in the competition, barring the semi-final win over Tottenham, and has stared in Liverpool’s last two Carabao Cup triumphs.
He scored a penalty in the shootout win over Chelsea in 2022 and made key saves against the Blues as Virgil van Dijk scored a late winner in 2024.
Liverpool vs Newcastle line-ups
15:32 , Mike Jones
Liverpool XI: Kelleher; Quansah, Konate, Van Dijk, Robertson; Gravenberch, Mac Allister; Salah, Szoboszlai, Diaz; Jota
Here’s how we line up for the #CarabaoCupFinal 👊
UP THE REDS! 🔴
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) March 16, 2025
Newcastle XI: Pope; Trippier, Schar, Burn, Livramento; Tonali, Guimaraes, Joelinton; Murphy, Isak, Barnes
Your Carabao Cup Final Magpies 💪
HOWAY THE LADS! 🖤🤍#wedontdoquietpic.twitter.com/YRIL9XWrFV
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) March 16, 2025
A first for Slot?
15:17 , Mike Jones
Arne Slot can become the first Reds boss since Joe Fagan in 1984 to win the League Cup in his first season in charge.
This will be his fourth final in charge of a team, with all three previous games ending 1-0 when he was in the dugout for Feyenoord.
Newcastle players arrive at Wembley
14:59 , Jamie Braidwood
Dan Burn, called up to Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad on Friday, leads the Newcastle team out onto the Wembley pitch, stopping as Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville offer a handshake and a word of congratulations as he does so.
There aren’t many Newcastle fans in the stadium yet, but those set behind the goal made quite the noise as their players walked out onto the turf.
Newcastle fans descend on London
14:46 , Jamie Braidwood
The London underground was a sea of black and white this afternoon as Newcastle fans flocked to their second Carabao Cup final in three years. With Trafalgar Square closed due to an event, the travelling Geordies were stationed at Covent Garden this afternoon soaking up the atmosphere, before making their way down Wembley Way.
They will hope to see their team end a 70-year wait for a domestic trophy.
As Newcastle and Liverpool clash in unique Carabao Cup final, so do romance and politics
14:45 , Miguel Delaney
By the early hours of Wednesday morning, Arne Slot was already thinking about ways to subtly recondition Liverpool’s focus. He wanted to make sure the players seamlessly went from the disappointment of Wednesday in the Champions League to seizing the opportunity of Sunday in the Carabao Cup final.
There were no such necessities for Newcastle United. They’ve been gearing up to this for weeks, because they’ve been waiting for such an opportunity for years.
Many at Newcastle can’t remember winning any trophy at all. Nobody needs reminding that it is 56 years since the club lifted the old Fairs Cup, which was the Europa League’s forerunner, and 70 since the FA Cup. You can sense the yearning.
Preview by Miguel Delaney
As Newcastle and Liverpool clash in unique final, so do romance and politics
