In what is the 60th year of the competition, this season the EFL has taken the step to bring content to fans in a different way for the Carabao Cup, through the introduction of the ‘Magic Moments’ show.
To celebrate the Carabao Cup’s unique history and standing within the English game, earlier this season the EFL teamed up with Sporf, to showcase what makes the competition so special.
Throughout the 2019/20 campaign, the newly introduced Carabao Cup show, ‘Magic Moments’, has been showcasing some of the competition’s best action, looking back on previous games as well as looking ahead to some of the most exciting ties, whilst also celebrating player achievements in the competition.
Hosted by a man who needs no introduction when it comes to the EFL, Adebayo Akinfenwa – also known as ‘The Beast’ – is joined by Sporf’s Will Brazier and a host of high-profile guests along the way, including Joleon Lescott, James Collins and John O’Shea thus far.
The League Cup celebrates its 60th year this season and there is no doubt that it continues to create special moments for those both on and off the pitch. As we approach the Quarter-Finals which get underway tonight, youth has once again caught the eye as youngsters continue to make their mark on the game.
Derby County’s Lee Buchanan did exactly that in Round One of this year’s competition. In what has been his first season in professional football, the defender scored the only goal of the game on his senior debut for the Rams, as they brushed aside Scunthorpe United to reach Round Two. A moment he is not likely to forget.
Speaking of moments you’re not likely to forget, as if playing at Old Trafford as a 16 year old wasn’t special enough, Rochdale’s Luke Matheson stole the headlines when he scored Dale’s equaliser to send the tie to a penalty shootout earlier in the competition. A dream come true for him.
Two teams who are also unlikely to forget this season’s Carabao Cup in a hurry are Colchester United and Oxford United. The only two EFL sides left in the competition at the Quarter-Final stage, it is the first time Colchester have got this far since 1974, with Oxford last tasting success in the League Cup in 1986. Both sides have been richly rewarded for their cup run with Quarter-Final ties against Manchester United and Manchester City respectively.
These are the moments that make the Carabao Cup special, and Magic Moments taps into fans’ nostalgia to discuss memorable on-pitch moments, favourite memories from the history of the League Cup as well as reminding them why they love watching their team in the competition.
Each round, the hosts have been previewing some of the big ties coming up in the competition, keeping it interesting by trying out traditional dishes from the home towns or cities of the teams involved, before attempting to recreate a variety of classic Carabao Cup goals!
With debuts, derbies, heroes and history makers, it’s already been a campaign to remember. But who will shine in the Quarter-Finals?
The latest episode of Carabao Cup Magic Moments features former Manchester United player John O'Shea and can be watched below:
👊 @DaRealAkinfenwa meets John O'Shea.
— SPORF (@Sporf) December 15, 2019
💥 The best goals, thrills and spills from Round 4.
👀 Looking ahead to the Quarter Finals.
😂 @WillBrazier eating potted shrimp.
🎯 Recreating THAT @MarcusRashford free kick.
🤝 Episode 3 of @Carabao_Cup #MagicMoments with @EFL #ad pic.twitter.com/zQHMSMUxxs