Who won the 2024 Carabao Cup final? Van Dijk header gave Liverpool League Cup victory over Chelsea at Wembley

The League Cup, known as the Carabao Cup for sponsorship reasons, is the first major trophy on offer each season in England.

Founded in 1960, the competition has become a cornerstone of the domestic football calendar even though there have been calls for Premier League teams not to take part much longer given the hectic schedule in the top tier.

That said, Premier League sides have naturally dominated the competition in recent seasons, specifically the members of the so-called 'big six'. Liverpool, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea have combined to win 20 of the past 24 Carabao Cup finals.

The most recent of those took place on February 25, 2024, when Chelsea met Liverpool at London's Wembley Stadium. It was a repeat of the 2022 final, when the Reds won on penalties following a goalless draw.

How the 2024 Carabao Cup final played out

Liverpool won the 2024 Carabao Cup final, defeating Chelsea 1-0 after extra time.

Reds captain Virgil van Dijk scored the winning goal, heading in a corner from Kostas Tsimikas in the 118th minute of the match at Wembley Stadium.

It was a record-extending 10th League Cup triumph for the Anfield club, and the eighth trophy they have won across all competitions since Jurgen Klopp became manager in October 2015.

These are the days my friend ❤️ pic.twitter.com/Bt6I5ZnY8V

The Carabao Cup has enabled domestic big-hitters and relative underdogs to find success. As can be seen from the famous cup wins by Swansea City and Middlesbrough in the 21st century, there is always a chance for teams from any division to go all the way.

Football in England may have a growing disparity of resources from top to bottom. Nonetheless, knockout ties will always throw up surprises when least expected due to