Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Visit Shots! now
Alexander Isak regards ending Newcastle United’s trophy drought as a “much higher” feeling than Cope del Rey with Real Sociedad's success in 2020.
That is despite the La Liga outfit beating bitter Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao in the final five years ago. Then a prospect, Isak helped La Real end their 34-year wait without silverware - with former Toon midfielder Mikel Merino scooping the man-of-the-match award.
Fast forward to the present and Isak has developed into one of the Premier League’s star players. The Swede bagged Newcastle’s second goal as they beat Liverpool 2-1 to end 70 years of hurt.
Carabao Cup success has propelled Isak to legendary status at St James’ Park, with fans set to celebrate at a trophy parade next month. Thousands of supporters are expected to gather at the Town Moor, NewcastleWorld understands, although this has not been confirmed by the club.
Click here to join NewcastleWorld's dedicated NUFC WhatsApp channel for news videos and voice notes. CLICK THE FOR NOTIFICATIONS.
Speaking to Swedish media, Isak has ranked Newcastle’s triumph as greater than Sociedad’s, whose cup final heroics were played behind closed doors due to Covid-19. He told Svenska Dagbladet: “I think that’s what meant the most, actually, for me. Almost all the fans that you looked up at were crying. And yes, 70 years … That’s a long time.
“So, I almost think that’s what means the most, when you see how much it means to people. It felt like we gave each other energy. We gave them energy in the way we played. Our fans get excited at the slightest thing when you win duels and celebrate a little extra.
“And they gave back to us with all the scarves that were waved. This one ends up somewhere much higher (than Real Sociedad's). The other one was without fans during the pandemic, and here I had a little more influence on the match.”
A day Eddie Howe ‘will never forget’ at Newcastle United
Eddie Howe was just as emotional as Toon supporters when speaking to the media post-match. He said: “With such a long wait for a trophy, this will be a day that I’m sure everyone will never forget. We will never forget it. I certainly won’t. I think there’s different ways to win trophies.
“Today we won it in the best way. We played a brilliant opponent, they’ve been the best team in the Premier League all season by quite a long way. And for me, we were the better team. I feel amazing, it is an incredible day. I was so, so pleased with our performance, it was not a lucky win, thoroughly deserved.
“I am drenched in alcohol from Joelinton and the rest of the squad, it’s a great moment, it is about embracing the success. We have to try and enjoy the moment and take it all in.”
YOUR NEXT READ:I asked AI to predictNewcastle United's season after historic Carabao Cup win - and here's what it said.