60 Facts About Carabao Cup

History of the Carabao Cup

The Carabao Cup, also known as the EFL Cup, has a rich history in English football. It’s one of the major domestic cup competitions in England.

1. The Carabao Cup was established in 1960.
2. Initially, it was called the Football League Cup.
3. The competition was created to give clubs more matches and revenue.
4. Aston Villa won the inaugural tournament in 1961.
5. The cup was first sponsored in 1981 by the Milk Marketing Board, hence the name Milk Cup.
6. Over the years, it has had various sponsors, including Coca-Cola, Worthington, and Carling.
7. Carabao, a Thai energy drink, became the sponsor in 2017.
8. The cup is open to all 92 clubs in the Premier League and the English Football League.
9. The final is traditionally held at Wembley Stadium.
10. Liverpool holds the record for the most wins, with 9 titles.

Memorable Matches

Throughout its history, the Carabao Cup has seen some unforgettable matches that have left fans on the edge of their seats.

11. The 1967 final saw Queens Park Rangers come from 2-0 down to beat West Bromwich Albion 3-2.
12. In 1977, Aston Villa and Everton played out a thrilling 3-2 final replay.
13. The 2001 final featured a dramatic golden goal by Liverpool’s Robbie Fowler.
14. Birmingham City’s 2011 victory over Arsenal was a major upset.
15. The 2014 final had Manchester City come from behind to beat Sunderland 3-1.
16. In 2016, Manchester City won on penalties against Liverpool.
17. The 2019 final saw Manchester City and Chelsea go to penalties, with City emerging victorious.
18. The 2021 final was notable for Manchester City’s fourth consecutive win.
19. The 2022 final between Liverpool and Chelsea went to penalties after a 0-0 draw, with Liverpool winning 11-10.
20. The 1988 final had Luton Town beating Arsenal 3-2 in a thrilling match.

Notable Players

Many legendary players have graced the Carabao Cup, leaving their mark on the competition.

21. Ian Rush is the top scorer in the competition’s history with 49 goals.
22. Geoff Hurst scored a hat-trick in the 1966 final for West Ham United.
23. Brian Clough won the cup as a manager with Nottingham Forest four times.
24. John Terry lifted the trophy three times as Chelsea captain.
25. Steven Gerrard won the cup three times with Liverpool.
26. Didier Drogba scored in three different finals for Chelsea.
27. Sergio Agüero scored in two finals for Manchester City.
28. Frank Lampard won the cup twice as a player and once as a manager.
29. Eric Cantona scored in the 1996 final for Manchester United.
30. David Silva won the cup four times with Manchester City.

Records and Trivia

The Carabao Cup has its fair share of interesting records and trivia that make it unique.

31. The fastest goal in a final was scored by John Sheridan in 1991 after just 2 minutes.
32. The highest-scoring final was in 1967, with 5 goals.
33. The longest penalty shootout in the competition had 22 penalties in 2019.
34. The youngest player to appear in a final was Curtis Jones at 17 years old in 2020.
35. The oldest player to appear in a final was Peter Shilton at 41 years old in 1991.
36. The most goals in a single match were 11, in a 6-5 win by Reading over Arsenal in 2012.
37. The most appearances by a player in the competition are 54 by Ian Rush.
38. The most consecutive wins by a team are 4, achieved by Manchester City from 2018 to 2021.
39. The competition has been won by 23 different clubs.
40. The trophy is made of solid sterling silver.

Impact on Clubs

Winning the Carabao Cup can have a significant impact on clubs, both financially and in terms of prestige.

41. The winner of the Carabao Cup qualifies for the UEFA Europa Conference League.
42. The competition provides a substantial financial boost to lower league clubs.
43. Winning the cup can increase a club’s fan base and global recognition.
44. It offers a chance for young players to gain valuable experience.
45. The cup can be a stepping stone for managers to prove their abilities.
46. It provides an opportunity for clubs to end long trophy droughts.
47. The competition helps maintain squad depth and fitness.
48. It can serve as a morale booster for struggling teams.
49. The cup offers a chance for clubs to experiment with tactics and formations.
50. It can lead to increased sponsorship and commercial opportunities.

Fun Facts

Here are some fun and quirky facts about the Carabao Cup that you might not know.

51. The cup has been known to produce giant-killing acts, where lower league teams beat top-tier clubs.
52. The trophy has been accidentally dropped and damaged multiple times.
53. Some finals have been played in heavy snow, adding to the drama.
54. The cup has seen some bizarre own goals over the years.
55. The competition has had matches played in front of empty stadiums due to various reasons.
56. Some finals have gone to extra time and penalties, making them marathon matches.
57. The cup has seen some of the most colorful and creative goal celebrations.
58. The competition has had some of the most memorable commentary moments.
59. The cup has been a platform for some of the most unexpected heroes.
60. The Carabao Cup continues to be a beloved part of English football culture.

Final Whistle

The Carabao Cup has a rich history filled with memorable moments and exciting matches. From its inception in 1960 to its current status as a key fixture in English football, this competition has seen underdogs triumph and giants fall. Clubs from all tiers of English football get a shot at glory, making it a unique and unpredictable tournament.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, the Carabao Cup offers something for everyone. Its format, featuring single-leg ties and the drama of penalty shootouts, ensures that every game is a must-watch. So next time the Carabao Cup rolls around, grab some snacks, settle in, and enjoy the ride. You never know what surprises await on the pitch.