Though it took 100 years, Swansea's first (relatively) major trophy in club history couldn't have come much easier. After beating League Cup holders Liverpool and the shadow of European Cup winners Chelsea on their way to the Capital One Cup final against League Two darlings Bradford City, Swansea finished the job with a 5-0 win to become the first Welsh side to win the competition.
It was the biggest win ever in a League Cup final and after Bradford goalkeeper Matt Duke was sent off in the 56th minute, about the only disturbance Swansea experience came from within their own team. Here are some of the best images from the match...
It took Swansea winger Nathan Dyer just 16 minutes to score his first goal and after he did so, he set a tone for the day with his celebration by turning his shirt around on his body so his surname was facing forward. This would prove to be a bit of foreshadowing for how he considers the name on the back of his shirt to be more important than the one on the front.
With Bradford down 3-0 in the 59th minute, even Swansea felt bad when Duke was sent off for taking down Jonathan De Guzman in the box.
On two goals and eager to seal his hat trick, Dyer had a tantrum when designated penalty taker De Guzman (UPDATE: Laudrup has since said that he had not chosen a designated penalty taker) wouldn't let him take the spot kick. Michu, who scored in the 40th minute, tried to talk him down. No short joke intended.
Wayne Routledge also tried to calm Dyer. With a headlock.
And finally, manager Michael Laudrup laughed at him as he was still ranting about the penalty while being subbed off 18 minutes later.
Even as their side was being thoroughly dominated and only had 10 men on the pitch, Bradford fans stood and sang with pride.
After this photo was taken, Dyer licked his Man of the Match award, winner's medal and the League Cup itself just to ensure no one would take them from him.
Swansea toss their highly praised manager all the way to Madrid.
Routledge has trouble wrangling the cup.
Chico Flores does a matador routine and pays tribute to footballers who died far too young. His shirt reads "Spaniards and football does not forget! [Antonio] Puerta, [Dani] Jarque, Miki Roque preciado." Bradford also paid tribute to the 56 fans who died in the 1985 Valley Parade stadium fire.
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