The Carabao Cup, officially known as the EFL Cup, is an annual knockout competition in men's domestic football in England. It is organized by the English Football League (EFL) and is open to any club within the top four levels of the English football league system, which encompasses a total of 92 clubs. The tournament has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1960. Sponsored by the Thai energy drink company Carabao, it’s referred to as the “Carabao Cup”.
Who is playing in the Carabao Cup 2025?
The Carabao Cup features intense competition among clubs vying for the coveted title. The competition follows a knockout format, with teams facing off in single-elimination matches until the champion is ultimately crowned. The matches are known for their thrilling and often dramatic moments, adding to the excitement of the tournament.
The recent Carabao Cup Final saw Liverpool emerge as the champions after defeating Chelsea 1-0 in a closely contested match. The victory marked a significant moment for Liverpool and its manager Jürgen Klopp, further adding to the Cup's prestige. Liverpool have now won the Carabao Cup 10 times following this recent victory.
The Carabao Cup is one of the three major domestic cup competitions in English football, alongside the FA Cup and the EFL Trophy. The tournament is open to clubs from the Premier League and the EFL, providing a platform for lower-league clubs to compete against top-flight teams and involves the most prolific of goal-scorers at all levels of English Football.
When & Where is the Carabao Cup Final?
The Carabao Cup has historically been played at Wembley Stadium.
Who is playing in the Carabao Cup 2025 Final?
It is not confirmed who the final two teams are, however Seat Unique offers tickets too a wide array of the quarter final and semi final matches. Read our blog that dives into previous Carabao Cup winners so you can be up to date on Carabao Cup history.
Knock-out Football
One unique aspect of the Carabao Cup is its use of penalty shootouts to determine the winner of matches that end in a draw after regular time. This adds an element of drama and unpredictability to the competition, often leading to exciting moments and memorable upsets.
Opportunities for Young Players
The Carabao Cup is known for giving opportunities to young and fringe players to showcase their talents, as many Premier League clubs use the tournament to rotate their squads and provide valuable experience to emerging talents.
Europa League Qualification
Winning the Carabao Cup not only earns a club silverware but also grants them a spot in the following season's UEFA Europa League, providing an additional incentive for teams to perform well in the competition.
Giant Killers
- In the 2020/21 season, League Two side Crawley Town defeated Premier League team Leeds United with a stunning 3-0 victory in the third round.
- In the 2017/18 season, Bristol City, then playing in the Championship (second tier), defeated Manchester United, a top Premier League club, with a 2-1 victory in the quarter-finals. This win at Ashton Gate Stadium was considered a major upset.
- In the 2012/13 season, Bradford City, then competing in League Two, reached the final of the Carabao Cup and defeated Premier League team Aston Villa with a score of 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout. This made Bradford City the first fourth-tier team to reach a major English Cup final in over 50 years.
Overall, the Carabao Cup plays an important role in the English football calendar, offering clubs of all levels the opportunity to compete for a prestigious trophy and showcase their skills in front of passionate fans.
Carabao Cup Previous Winners
- 2023/24: Liverpool
- 2022/23: Manchester United
- 2021/22: Liverpool
- 2020/21: Manchester City
- 2019/20: Manchester City
- 2018/19: Manchester City
- 2017/18: Manchester City
- 2016/17: Manchester United
- 2015/16: Manchester City
- 2014/15: Chelsea
