Catch all the latest updates on the highly-anticipated Carabao Cup semi-finals in 2024. Stay in the loop on the draw, dates and fixtures. Plus, discover how to secure your seat with official matchday hospitality.

Last updated: 25/01/2024 at 09:00

The Carabao Cup is one of the 'Big 3' domestic trophies up for grabs in the English football season. Taking place just past the midway point of the season, the cup offers teams the chance to secure some early silverware.

With the 2022/23 edition of the prestigious cup well and truly over, with six-time Carabao Cup winners Manchester United emerging victorious over Newcastle United, we delve into the current standings of the 2023/24 competition.  

With the conclusion of the semi-finals, all eyes are now on the highly anticipated final at Wembley Stadium, where Chelsea and Liverpool will battle it out for ultimate glory.

Stay tuned as we bring you all the thrilling updates on the intense battle for glory in this year's Carabao Cup.

From fixture announcements to key match dates, we've got you covered with the latest happenings in the world of this captivating tournament. Plus, find out how you can witness the action in person from the best seats in the house.

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Is the Carabao Cup Semi-final 1 or 2 legs?

The Semi-finals are contested over two legs, with the first leg taking place at the ground of the first Club drawn, while the second leg is held at the ground of the second Club drawn.

This format adds an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability to the competition, promising thrilling clashes at both semi-finalists' home grounds.

Who are the semi-finalists in the 2024 Carabao Cup?

Middlesbrough vs Chelsea: First Leg

Liverpool will face Fulham, while Chelsea emerged victorious over Middlesborough in the Carabao Cup Semi-finals. The Reds earned their place after a commanding 5-1 victory over West Ham at Anfield.

Meanwhile, Chelsea advanced to the last four with a penalty shootout win over Newcastle, and Fulham secured their spot by defeating Everton in a shootout after both teams ended regulation time at 1-1.

Finally, Middlesbrough reached their first League Cup semi-final in nearly two decades with a 3-0 win over Port Vale.

Championship side Boro managed to secure a narrow 1-0 lead in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final against the Blues, who missed several scoring opportunities in a lively first leg at the Riverside Stadium.

In the first half, Hayden Hackney found the back of the net, skillfully redirecting an Isaiah Jones cross into the goal, giving Middlesbrough the sole goal of the match.

Despite multiple chances, Cole Palmer failed to convert three promising opportunities, causing Chelsea to go goalless for the sixth time this season.

Chelsea vs Middlesbrough: Second Leg

Chelsea secured their spot in the Carabao Cup 2024 final by defeating Middlesborough 6-1 in the second leg of the semi-final.


Mauricio Pochettino's team secured a commanding lead in the first half with four goals, effectively settling the contest. A Jonny Howson's own goal and precise finishes from Enzo Fernandez, Axel Disasi, and Cole Palmer.

With a 6-2 aggregate victory, the hosts had already confirmed their spot in the final, setting up a showdown against either Liverpool or West London rivals Fulham.

Liverpool vs Fulham: First Leg

In the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at Anfield, Premier League giants Liverpool turned the game around in the second half to defeat Fulham.

Fulham took the lead in the first half when Willian scored inside the box. The Reds came back strong after halftime and scored two goals in three minutes.

Curtis Jones equalised with a deflected shot in the 68th minute, and substitute Cody Gakpo drove in a pass from Darwin Nunez to give Liverpool the lead.

This victory comes after Liverpool previously beat Fulham in a Premier League match at Anfield.

Fulham vs Liverpool: Second Leg

Liverpool booked their spot in the Carabao Cup Final with a hard-fought victory over Fulham in the second leg of the semi-final. Under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp, the Reds entered the match with a 2-1 advantage following their impressive comeback at Anfield.

They wasted no time in capitalising on their lead, as Luis Diaz's shot deflected into the net within just 15 minutes.

Fulham displayed commendable determination throughout the game, with Andreas Pereira coming agonizingly close to equalizing, only to be denied by the post.

The excitement grew as Darwin Nunez narrowly missed an opportunity to extend Liverpool's lead.

Despite some tense moments caused by Issa Diop's late goal, Liverpool ultimately emerged victorious, securing their place in the final at Wembley Stadium.

What dates are the Carabao Cup Semi-finals in 2024?

First leg ties

  • Middlesbrough vs Chelsea, Riverside Stadium, Monday 8th January - result Middlesbrough 1-0 Chelsea
  • Liverpool vs Fulham, Anfield Stadium, Tuesday 9th January - result Middlesbrough 1-2 Liverpool

Second leg ties

  • Chelsea vs Middlesbrough, Stamford Bridge, Tuesday 23rd January - result Chelsea 6-1 Middlesbrough (6-2 agg)
  • Fulham vs Liverpool, Craven Cottage, Wednesday 24th January - result Fuulahm 1-1 Liverpool (2-3 agg)

Will VAR be used in the semi-finals?

According to efl.com, it has been decided that VAR technology will not be used during the Carabao Cup semi-final stage this season. The reason behind this decision is that "the system is not installed at one of the participating semi-finalist Clubs" to maintain fairness and consistency.

This aligns with the approach taken in previous rounds of the competition, where VAR availability varied across different grounds. However, it is worth noting that it is installed at Wembley Stadium. As per the previous commitment made, VAR will be in use during the final in February.

How to get official Carabao Cup final hospitality tickets

Want to be in attendance when Chelsea battle it out against Liverpool in the final of the 2024 Carabao Cup?

At Seat Unique, we’re delighted to provide you with access to official hospitality tickets to this unmissable fixture.

Watch one of the biggest highlights of the English football season from the best seats in the house with matchday hospitality, and benefit from luxury inclusions such as:

  • Prosecco on arrival when doors open three hours before to kick-off
  • Two-course buffet meal
  • Inclusive beers, wine and spirits
  • Half-time drinks voucher
  • Seating in the Putney End or Riverside Stand
  • Matchday Programmes

The final at Wembley Stadium is just around the corner on 25th February 2024, but there's still time to secure your seat now in premium seating to watch the game.

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What happened in the 2022/23 Carabao Cup Final?

The 2022/23 Carabao Cup Final was contested by Erik Ten Hag’s high-flying Manchester United team and Eddie Howe’s revitalized Newcastle United side. The two clubs previously met in the 1999 FA Cup Final, with Manchester United winning 2-0 and going on to win the treble.

United have completely rebuilt themselves this season under Ten Hag, who has brought the belief back to Old Trafford that has been missing for far too long.

Newcastle have also built their way up, albeit after a mega takeover last year. Despite the huge influx of cash, the team still is largely the same, only with some strong new additions such as Nick Pope and Bruno Guimarães.

The game was an electric affair from start to finish, with both sides playing quick and direct football and both sets of fans raising the roof in support of their teams.

The deadlock was broken in the 33rd minute, with the Red Devils’ Brazilian enforcer Casemiro heading home from a Luke Shaw free kick.

Newcastle were stunned after going behind and United capitalized on that in the 39th minute, when in-form superstar Marcus Rashford raced through on goal and saw his deflected shot loop over the head of a helpless Loris Karius and into the net.

The Magpies put up a good fight in the second half, ending the game with more shots on goal and more possession. But for all of their good play, the Geordie side failed to hit the target on numerous occasions and were unable to get themselves back into the tie.

Manchester United won the game 2-0, in perfect reflection of the 1999 FA Cup final bout between the two sides, and the celebrations ensued as the Red Devils secured their sixth Carabao Cup title.

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Are you interested in attending football matches outside of the Carabao Cup? Check out the premium football tickets available to purchase through Seat Unique and secure the best seats in the stadium today!