Which final losses have shaped Liverpool's history in the FA Cup, EFL Cup, Premier League, UCL and Europe?

Liverpool has enjoyed a long and successful history, but alongside its triumphs, the club has also endured heartbreak in finals across various competitions. The Reds' most recent disappointment came on March 16, 2025, when they fell 2-1 to Newcastle United in the EFL Cup final at Wembley. This defeat marked Newcastle's first major domestic trophy in 70 years and extended Liverpool's mixed record in the competition. However, this was just the latest in a series of painful final losses that have shaped the club’s journey. Join us as we explore Liverpool's most significant defeats in the FA Cup, EFL Cup, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Champions League, and near misses in the Premier League title race.

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FA Cup Final Defeats

Liverpool has reached the FA Cup final on numerous occasions, lifting the trophy multiple times, but they have also suffered crushing defeats. The first came in 1914 when they lost 1-0 to Burnley in what was their inaugural FA Cup final appearance. The Reds had fought hard to reach the showpiece event at Crystal Palace, but a single goal denied them the title.

In 1950, Liverpool returned to the FA Cup final, only to fall 2-0 against Arsenal. Despite a strong league campaign, the Reds couldn’t match the Gunners at Wembley. The 1971 final saw a more competitive contest, but Liverpool again finished as runners-up, this time in extra time after a 2-1 loss to Arsenal.

Perhaps one of the most painful FA Cup final defeats came in 1977. With the chance to win the treble, Liverpool faced Manchester United. The Reds had already secured the league title and had a European Cup final ahead, but United played the role of spoilers with a 2-1 win, denying Liverpool a historic achievement.

Another shocking loss came in 1988, when Wimbledon stunned the football world with a 1-0 victory over Liverpool. The "Crazy Gang" outmuscled the technically superior Reds, handing Liverpool one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history. In 1996, a single moment of brilliance from Eric Cantona secured a 1-0 win for Manchester United in a game that lacked clear chances. Liverpool’s last FA Cup final defeat came in 2012, when Chelsea edged them out 2-1 despite a late surge from the Reds.

• 1914 vs. Burnley: Liverpool's first FA Cup final appearance ended in a 1-0 defeat to Burnley.
• 1950 vs. Arsenal: The Reds suffered a 2-0 loss to Arsenal in the final.
• 1971 vs. Arsenal: In a match that went into extra time, Liverpool lost 2-1 to Arsenal.
• 1977 vs. Manchester United: A 2-1 defeat prevented Liverpool from securing a potential treble that season.
• 1988 vs. Wimbledon: In one of the biggest upsets, the "Crazy Gang" of Wimbledon defeated Liverpool 1-0.
• 1996 vs. Manchester United: A late goal by Eric Cantona led to a 1-0 loss for Liverpool.
• 2012 vs. Chelsea: The Reds were defeated 2-1 by Chelsea in the final.

EFL Cup Final Defeats

Liverpool’s history in the League Cup is filled with highs and lows. Their first final loss in the competition came in 1978 when they faced Nottingham Forest. After drawing the first match, the Reds were unable to prevail in the replay, losing 1-0.

The 1987 final saw Liverpool come up against Arsenal, who claimed a 2-1 victory. Then, in 2005, despite taking an early lead against Chelsea, Liverpool couldn't hold on, ultimately losing 3-2 in extra time.

In 2016, Jürgen Klopp’s side took on Manchester City in a match that ended 1-1 after extra time. The penalty shootout saw Liverpool fall 3-1, as City lifted the trophy. Most recently, in 2025, Liverpool reached the final again but were defeated 2-1 by Newcastle United, as the Magpies ended their long wait for silverware.

• 1978 vs. Nottingham Forest: Liverpool lost 1-0 in a replay after the initial match ended in a draw.
• 1987 vs. Arsenal: A 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in the final.
• 2005 vs. Chelsea: Despite taking an early lead, Liverpool succumbed to a 3-2 loss after extra time.
• 2016 vs. Manchester City: The match ended 1-1, but Liverpool lost 3-1 in the penalty shootout.

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UEFA Europa League Final Defeats

Liverpool’s history in the Europa League has seen them lift the trophy multiple times, but they have also suffered heartbreak. The most notable defeat came in 2016 when they faced Sevilla. Despite taking an early lead through Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool collapsed in the second half, conceding three unanswered goals to lose 3-1. This loss denied Klopp his first European trophy with the club and highlighted Liverpool’s need for further squad reinforcements at the time.

• 2016 vs. Sevilla: Despite taking the lead, Liverpool lost 3-1 to Sevilla.

UEFA Champions League Final Defeats

Liverpool has a rich legacy in the Champions League, having won six titles, but they have also lost crucial finals. One of the most controversial came in 1985 against Juventus, overshadowed by the Heysel Stadium disaster. The match itself ended 1-0 in favor of Juventus, but the tragic events off the pitch left a lasting impact on European football.

In 2007, Liverpool faced AC Milan in a rematch of the famous 2005 final. This time, the Italians took their revenge with a 2-1 victory, denying Liverpool a seventh European crown.

The most recent Champions League final defeat came in 2018 when the Reds faced Real Madrid. A series of errors from goalkeeper Loris Karius and a stunning overhead kick from Gareth Bale condemned Liverpool to a 3-1 loss. This defeat ultimately led to Liverpool strengthening their squad with the signings of Alisson Becker and Virgil van Dijk, which helped them return to the final in 2019 and win the trophy.

• 1985 vs. Juventus: In a match overshadowed by the Heysel Stadium disaster, Liverpool lost 1-0.
• 2007 vs. AC Milan: A 2-1 defeat in Athens saw Liverpool miss out on their sixth European Cup.
• 2018 vs. Real Madrid: A 3-1 loss in Kyiv, marked by goalkeeper errors and an overhead kick goal by Gareth Bale.

Premier League Near Misses

Since the creation of the Premier League in 1992, Liverpool has been runners-up on several occasions. In 2001-02, they finished second to Arsenal, trailing by seven points. The 2008-09 season saw Liverpool lose just two games all season, but Manchester United still edged them out by four points.

One of the most dramatic title collapses occurred in 2013-14 when Liverpool, under Brendan Rodgers, seemed destined to win the league. However, Steven Gerrard’s infamous slip against Chelsea and a costly 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace allowed Manchester City to overtake them and claim the title.

In 2018-19, Liverpool amassed an astonishing 97 points but still finished second, just one point behind Manchester City in one of the tightest title races in history. They would eventually break their title drought the following season, but their close calls remain a significant part of their Premier League journey.

• 2001-02 Season: Finished second to Arsenal, seven points behind.
• 2008-09 Season: Despite losing only two games, Liverpool finished four points behind Manchester United.
• 2013-14 Season: A late-season slip saw them finish two points behind Manchester City.
• 2018-19 Season: Accumulated 97 points but finished one point behind Manchester City in a thrilling title race.

What You Should Know About Liverpool’s Final Defeats

• Liverpool has lost seven FA Cup finals, with defeats spanning from 1914 to 2012.
• The Reds have finished as EFL Cup runners-up on five occasions, including their 2025 defeat to Newcastle United.
• Liverpool suffered a crucial Europa League final loss in 2016 against Sevilla.
• They have lost three UEFA Champions League finals, the most recent in 2018.
• The club has come agonizingly close to winning the Premier League on multiple occasions, notably in 2013-14 and 2018-19.