Newcastle United's Brazilian midfielder Joelinton celebrates with the League Cup trophy after winning the English League Cup final against Liverpool, 2025. Photo: AFP
Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes says it is the best day of his life after they beat Liverpool 2-1 in the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium to win their first major domestic trophy in 70 years.
Newcastle, who last tasted domestic glory when they won the FA Cup in 1955, took the lead in the first half when centre back Dan Burn buried a header into the back of the net and doubled their advantage through striker Alexander Isak after the break.
"It's all for these fans. They deserve everything. When I first came here I said I wanted to put my name in history," Brazil midfielder Guimaraes said.
"We can now say we are the champions again...
"I don't have any words. It's the best day of my life. For them (the fans) it's like the World Cup. People have grown up and not seen us as champions. My first year as captain of this club and it's one of the best days. This is unbelievable.
"This is my second home. We are making history. Some day when I leave this club I want the fans to sing my name the way they do to (former Newcastle captain Alan) Shearer. He texted me before the game. I'm so emotional today."
Burn put Newcastle ahead in the 45th minute with a bullet header. The Newcastle centre back pulled away to the far post and craned his neck to head the ball down into the turf and past the despairing dive of Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
Newcastle then had an Isak effort disallowed by VAR for offside but it was only moments before the Swede got his goal, pouncing on a Jacob Murphy knock-down and firing into the back of the net in the 52nd minute.
Liverpool flickered into life late in the game and Federico Chiesa scored to give them a barely deserved lifeline in stoppage time but Eddie Howe's Newcastle side held on.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said he believed his players could pull off a result against the Premier League leaders.
"Emotional, very emotional. It is very unlike me. We knew what was at stake and just wanted to do everyone proud," he said.
"We were desperate to try and win the trophy after so many years of hurt.
"It had a different feel. We have won the game and everything will be reviewed positively but we prepared well and I was very confident the players would perform."
-Reuters
