Liverpool FC: The Reds' Most Epic League Cup Finals Since 2000

As Liverpool and Chelsea gear up for the League Cup Final this Sunday at Wembley Stadium, let's rank every Liverpool League Cup Final appearance since 2000. 

#6 2005 - Liverpool v Chelsea, 3-2

The Reds lost an absolute heart-breaking thriller in this League Cup Final after holding a 1-0 lead for almost the entire match. John Arne Riise opened the scoring in the opening minute.

The Reds conceded an own goal through Steven Gerrard in the 79th minute, and Chelsea went on to take the lead with two goals in extra time while the Reds’ last-minute charge after scoring in the 113th minute fell short.

#5 2003 - Liverpool v Manchester United, 2-0

This star-studded affair saw the Reds and Red Devils throw punch after punch, relying on fantastic goal-keeping to keep the game from tallying a much higher scoreline.

Gerrard, still sporting the No. 17 at the time, gave the Reds the first half lead after his shot took a fortuitous deflection off of David Beckham. Manchester United kept up a steady barrage of attacks, but they were constantly turned away by a otherworldly performance by Jerzy Dudek.

Finally, the Reds sealed the Cup with Michael Owen’s 86th minute goal on a blistering counter.

#4 2001 - Liverpool v Birmingham City, 1-1, Penalties: 5-4

Birmingham City became just the 15th club playing outside of the Premier League to make it to the League Cup Final, and the Blues gave the Reds all they could handle.

The Reds took an early lead through a Robbie Fowler floater over the goalkeeper, but the Blues were awarded a penalty 2 minutes into stoppage time, which Darren Purse took advantage of to force the game into extra time.

Liverpool's Sander Westerveld made a crucial save in the penalty shootout, and the Reds' steely nerve from the spot went on to win the Cup. This was Liverpool's first taste of silverware following a rough six year stretch. It was the first piece of their 2001 treble.

#3 2016 Liverpool v Manchester City, 1-1, Penalties: 1-3

In what was then known as the Capital One Cup, Liverpool fell behind early in the second half after Manchester City’s Fernandinho finished off a Sergio Aguero pass in the bottom left corner of the goal.

The Citizens had been on the front foot for the majority of the match and thought they would be able to stroll to the trophy.

The Reds’ attack never let up though, and Philippe Coutinho brought Liverpool level in the 83rd minute. However, Willy Caballero came up huge for City in the penalty shootout, saving 3 of 4 Liverpool attempts, and City raised the League Cup.

#2 2012 Liverpool v Cardiff City, 2-2, Penalties: 3-2

This match has an absolute must-see highlight reel for any football fan. The atmosphere, the quality, and the drama created an absolute thrilling League Cup Final.

Liverpool, managed by Kenny Dalglish, fell behind early after Cardiff City’s Joe Mason finished off a brilliant bit of play to give the underdogs the lead. It wasn’t until the 60th minute that Martin Skrtel found the back of the net and equalized for the Reds.

The game went into extra time, and Liverpool looked sure to win the Cup after Dirk Kuyt scored in the 108th minute, but Ben Turner equalized for Cardiff in the 118th minute.

Both teams hit the post on their opening penalty shots in the shootout, but the Reds' steady composure secured the Cup with a 3-2 tally in the remaining attempts.

#1 2022 Liverpool v Chelsea, 0-0, Penalties: 11-10

This match was filled with disallowed goals and constant bombardments against opposing goalkeepers that somehow miraculously did not find the back of the net.

The match stretched into extra time with neither side able to find a winner, and finally, both sides settled in for perhaps the most astonishing penalty shootout in League Cup history.

Both sides were perfect from the spot until Chelsea’s substitute goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was brought on specifically for the shootout, sent his shot over the crossbar, giving Liverpool their 9th League Cup Title, winning 11-10 in the shootout.

With that in mind, get yourself ready for the rematch between Liverpool and Chelsea on Sunday as these two giants clash once again for the League Cup Title at Wembley in what is sure to be a can’t-miss game.

If history is any indication, it is going to make for one memorable match.