The 2021 EFL Trophy Final (known for sponsorship reasons as the 2021 Papa John's Trophy Final) was a football match that was played at Wembley Stadium. It decided the winners of the 2020–21 EFL Trophy, the 37th edition of the competition, a knock-out tournament for the 48 teams in League One and League Two and 16 category one academy sides. The match was played on 14 March 2021, one day after the final for the previous tournament, which was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[1] Although no fans were present, supporters raised money for local initiatives through virtual ticket sales.

Sunderland won 1–0 for their first win at Wembley in 48 years.[2]

Route to the final

Sunderland

6 October 2020 (2020-10-06) Group Stage Sunderland 5–3 Carlisle United Stadium of Light
19:45 BST Maguire 26', 54'
Hume 37'
Wyke 69'
Diamond 90+1'		 Alessandra 6' (pen.)
Mellish 72', 82'		 Attendance: 0
10 November 2020 (2020-11-10) Group Stage Fleetwood Town 2–1 Sunderland Highbury Stadium
19:45 GMT McKay 51'
Duffy 59'		 McFadzean 15' Attendance: 0
8 December 2020 (2020-12-08) Round 2Oldham Athletic1–2 Sunderland Oldham
19:00 GMT Grant 13' Report Maguire 30'
Scowen 64'		 Stadium: Boundary Park
Attendance: 0
12 January 2021 Round 3 Sunderland 2–0Port ValeSunderland
18:00 GMT O'Brien 21'
McGeady 90+7' (pen.)		 Stadium: Stadium of Light
Referee: Declan Bourne
2 February 2021 Quarter-FinalMilton Keynes Dons0–3 Sunderland Milton Keynes
18:30 GMT Harvie Yellow card 56'
Gladwin Yellow card 69'		 Report Lewington red-colored football 12' (o.g.)
McGeady 76'
Wyke 82'		 Stadium: Stadium MK
Attendance: 0
Referee: Thomas Bramall
17 February 2021 Semi-Final Sunderland 1–1
(5–3 p)		Lincoln CitySunderland
18:00 GMT
Report
Stadium: Stadium of Light
Attendance: 0
Referee: Ben Toner
Penalties