5 most successful teams in the history of the competition

The EFL Cup, now called the Carabao Cup for sponsorship reasons, debuted as the Football League Cup in the 1960–61 season. The single-leg knockout tournament, excluding the semi-finals, is open to 92 teams across England’s four domestic levels. The final will take place at the famous Wembley Stadium in March, with the winner earning a place in the UEFA European Conference League.

The AFL Cup has not always received the respect it deserves, primarily due to the popularity of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and FA Cup, with many fans considering it an unimportant trophy. However, England’s most ambitious teams approach the competition with the necessary seriousness, doing everything possible to add a trophy to their collection. Keep reading to learn about the five most successful teams in the competition’s history.

#5 Aston Villa: 5 wins

Topping the list is Birmingham’s Aston Villa. The Villans have now played in nine League Cup finals, taking home the trophy five times.

Aston Villa’s last success in the competition came in the 1995–96 season. They recorded a convincing 3-0 win over Leeds United in the big event, with Savo Milosevic, Ian Taylor and Dwight Yorke scoring at Wembley Stadium.

Aston Villa crashed out of the last 16 this year, losing 2-1 to underdogs Crystal Palace at Villa Park.

No. 4 Chelsea: 5 wins

The pride of West London, Chelsea, have appeared in 10 EFL Cup finals. The Blues have a conversion rate of 50%, winning the gold medal five times and settling for silver five times.

Chelsea’s last EFL Cup win came ten years ago in the 2014-15 season. In the final, the Pensioners beat London’s Tottenham Hotspur 2-0, with John Terry and Diego Costa scoring.

Chelsea were knocked out in the round of 16 of the AFL Cup this season. Enzo Mareschi’s team lost away to Newcastle United with a score of 2:0.

No. 3 Manchester United: 6 wins

Record 20-time English champion Manchester United is in third place. The Red Devils have appeared in 10 EFL Cup finals over the years, winning six and losing four.

Manchester United last won the League Cup in the 2022–23 season. They recorded a comfortable 2-0 win over Newcastle United in the final thanks to goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.

This season, the Mancunians secured their place in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup by beating Leicester City 5-2 in the round of 16. They will face Tottenham Hotspur in the 1/8 finals.

No. 2 Manchester City: 8 wins

Manchester City have dominated the EFL Cup in recent years, claiming six of their eight victories in the last 11 seasons. Under manager Pep Guardiola, they made history by winning the EFL Cup in four consecutive seasons from 2017-18 to 2020-21. The Cityzens have only lost one League Cup final in recent years, with that defeat coming to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the 1973–74 season.

Manchester City last won the League Cup in 2021, beating Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 in the final. Aymeric Laporte scored the winning goal in the 82nd minute.

The reigning English champions failed to make any further progress in the tournament this year, exiting in the last 16 after losing 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur.

No. 1 Liverpool: 10 wins

Liverpool are the most successful team in AFL Cup history. Since the 1960–61 season, the Reds have played 14 finals, coming out on top 10 times.

Liverpool’s last League Cup win came against Chelsea in the 2023–24 season. Then-manager Jurgen Klopp had limited options due to injuries to key players, while Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea were almost at full strength. Against all odds, the Reds held firm, keeping the game goalless at the end of the 90th minute before Virgin van Dijk won it in the 118th minute.

The Merseysiders are set to defend their title this season, having booked their place in the quarter-finals. They will have to beat Southampton to reach the semi-finals.