Newcastle United’s long-awaited triumph in the Carabao Cup final has left fans and players alike in a state of euphoria, but Micah Richards has highlighted a moment of madness that nearly cost the Magpies their historic victory.

After a 70-year wait for silverware, Newcastle defeated Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley on Sunday, with goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak securing the trophy. However, a late mistake by Bruno Guimarães almost turned the celebration into heartbreak.

The match seemed all but over as Newcastle comfortably led 2-0 heading into stoppage time. But with just three minutes of the eight added minutes remaining, Federico Chiesa pulled one back for Liverpool, setting up a nervy finale.

The goal came after Guimarães lost possession in midfield while attempting an audacious piece of skill, allowing Liverpool to launch a swift counterattack.

Chiesa capitalized on the error, slotting the ball through Nick Pope’s legs to reduce the deficit.

Micah Richards, speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, expressed his bewilderment at Guimarães’ decision-making in such a critical moment.

“You know the goal for 2-1, Chiesa’s goal. I’m just thinking, Bruno, what? He’s trying to do a Maradona turn in the middle of the field,” Richards said.

“That was the only mistake they made throughout the game. And I’m not putting, that’s not a strain on that performance. The energy that they had was just remarkable.”

Despite the error, Guimarães’ overall performance was exceptional. The Brazilian midfielder, alongside Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, dominated the midfield battle and played a crucial role in Newcastle’s victory.

His mistake, while costly in the moment, did not overshadow his contributions throughout the match. Kieran Trippier, who admitted he was furious with Guimarães at the time, will likely forgive his teammate given the magnitude of the achievement.

The Carabao Cup win marks a turning point for Newcastle United, ending decades of frustration and signaling the start of a new era under Eddie Howe.

The victory not only brings silverware to St. James’ Park but also secures European football for next season. Newcastle are now guaranteed a place in the Europa League, though they will be aiming higher, with Champions League qualification still within reach.

The significance of this triumph cannot be overstated. Manchester City, under Pep Guardiola, used their League Cup successes as a springboard to dominate English football, and Newcastle will hope to follow a similar trajectory.

While they cannot add another trophy this season, the Magpies are already looking ahead to future campaigns with renewed ambition. The taste of success has only heightened their hunger for more.

For now, Newcastle fans can revel in the glory of their Carabao Cup victory. The scenes at Wembley and the celebrations that followed will live long in the memory.

Sam Fender, the Geordie musician, even paid tribute to Dan Burn by altering his lyrics during a gig in Berlin, capturing the joy and pride felt by supporters worldwide.

As the dust settles, Guimarães’ mistake will fade into the background, remembered only as a minor blip in an otherwise flawless performance.

The focus now shifts to the remainder of the season, where Newcastle will aim to build on this success and secure a top-four finish in the Premier League. The Carabao Cup win is not just a trophy; it’s a statement of intent from a club on the rise. The Magpies are back, and they’re here to stay.