2020–21 Scottish League Cup

The competition began with eight groups of five teams. The four clubs competing in the UEFA Champions League (Celtic) and Europa League (Rangers, Motherwell, and Aberdeen) qualifying rounds were given a bye through to the second round. The 40 teams competing in the group stage consisted of the other eight teams that competed in the 2019–20 Scottish Premiership, and all of the teams that competed in the 2019–20 Scottish Championship, 2019–20 Scottish League One and 2019–20 Scottish League Two. The 2019–20 Highland Football League and the 2019–20 Lowland Football League champions also competed.

The winners of each of the eight groups, as well as the four best runners-up progressed to the second round (last 16), which included the four UEFA qualifying clubs. At this stage, the competition reverts to the traditional knock-out format. The four group winners with the highest points total and the clubs entering at this stage were seeded, with the four group winners with the lowest points unseeded along with the four best runners-up.

In December 2015, the SPFL announced that alongside the new group stage format, a bonus point system would be introduced to provide greater excitement and increase the number of meaningful games at this stage.{{cite web | url=http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/new-league-cup-format-announced/ | title=New League Cup format and TV deal | publisher=SPFL | date=7 December 2015 | access-date=20 July 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322072242/http://spfl.co.uk/news/article/new-league-cup-format-announced/ | archive-date=22 March 2017 | url-status=dead }} The traditional point system of awarding three points for a win and one point for a draw is used, however, for each group stage match that finishes in a draw, a penalty shoot-out takes place, with the winner being awarded a bonus point.

{{Main|2020–21 Scottish League Cup group stage}}

The group stage was made up of eight teams from the 2019–20 Scottish Premiership, and all ten teams from each of the 2019–20 Scottish Championship, 2019–20 Scottish League One and 2019–20 Scottish League Two, as well as the winners of the 2019–20 Highland Football League and 2019–20 Lowland Football League. The 40 teams were divided into two sections – North and South – with each section containing four top seeds, four second seeds and 12 unseeded teams. Each section was drawn into four groups with each group comprising one top seed, one second seed and three unseeded teams.

The draw for the group stage took place on 10 August 2020 and was broadcast live FreeSports & [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F23068NxOgo the SPFL YouTube channel.]{{cite web | url=https://spfl.co.uk/news/date-set-for-betfred-cup-draw-46835 | title=DATE SET FOR BETFRED CUP DRAW | publisher=SPFL | date=5 August 2020 | access-date=5 August 2020}}

{{#lst:2020–21 Scottish League Cup group stage|GA}}

{{#lst:2020–21 Scottish League Cup group stage|GB}}

{{#lst:2020–21 Scottish League Cup group stage|GC}}

{{#lst:2020–21 Scottish League Cup group stage|GD}}

{{#lst:2020–21 Scottish League Cup group stage|GE}}

{{#lst:2020–21 Scottish League Cup group stage|GF}}

{{#lst:2020–21 Scottish League Cup group stage|GG}}

{{#lst:2020–21 Scottish League Cup group stage|GH}}

{{#lst:2020–21 Scottish League Cup group stage|RU}}

Aberdeen, Celtic, Motherwell and Rangers entered the competition at this stage, after receiving a bye for the group stage due to their participation in UEFA club competitions.

The four UEFA-qualifying clubs and the four group winners with the best record were seeded for the draw.

The draw for the second round took place on 15 November 2020 following the Hibernian v Dundee match live on Premier Sports 1.{{cite web | url=https://spfl.co.uk/news/betfred-cup-r2-draw | title=BETFRED CUP R2 DRAW | publisher=SPFL | date=15 November 2020 | access-date=15 November 2020}}

Teams in Bold advanced to the quarter-finals.

;Notes

• † denotes teams playing in the Championship.
• * denotes team playing in League One.

{{Football box collapsible

|date =28 November 2020

|time =15:00

|team1 =Livingston

|score =4–0

|team2 =Ayr United

|report ={{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55031968 |title=Livingston thrash Ayr United 4-0 in first game since Gary Holt exit |publisher=BBC Sport |work=bbc.co.uk/sport |first=John |last=Barnes |date=28 November 2020 |access-date=28 November 2020}}

|goals1 =

• Chalmers {{goal|4|o.g.}}
• Fitzwater {{goal|6||12}}
• Forrest {{goal|44}}

|goals2 =

|stadium =Almondvale Stadium

|location =Livingston

|attendance=

|referee =David Munro

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|date =28 November 2020

|time =15:00

|team1 =Hibernian

|score =1–0

|team2 =Dundee

|report ={{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55031961 |title=Hibernian 1-0 Dundee: Jamie Murphy strike puts side in League Cup last 8 |publisher=BBC Sport |work=bbc.co.uk/sport |first=Brian |last=McLaughlin |date=28 November 2020 |access-date=28 November 2020}}

|goals1 =

• Murphy {{goal|44}}

|goals2 =

|stadium =Easter Road

|location =Edinburgh

|attendance=

|referee =Willie Collum

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|date =28 November 2020

|time =15:00

|team1 =Arbroath

|score =1–3

|team2 =Dunfermline Athletic

|report ={{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55031954 |title=Arbroath 1-3 Dunfermline: Fifers qualify for League Cup quarter-finals |publisher=BBC Sport |work=bbc.co.uk/sport |first=Tyrone |last=Smith |date=28 November 2020 |access-date=28 November 2020}}

|goals1 =

• Hilson {{goal|65}}

|goals2 =

• Dow {{goal|28}}
• E. Murray {{goal|36}}
• O'Hara {{goal|82|pen.}}

|stadium =Gayfield Park

|location =Arbroath

|attendance=

|referee =Nick Walsh

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|date =28 November 2020

|time =15:00

|team1 =Motherwell

|score =1–2

|team2 =St Johnstone

|report ={{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55031975 |title=Motherwell 1-2 St Johnstone: Perth side come from behind to reach last 8 |publisher=BBC Sport |work=bbc.co.uk/sport |first=Scott |last=Mullen |date=28 November 2020 |access-date=28 November 2020}}

|goals1 =

• Watt {{goal|61}}

|goals2 =

• Hendry {{goal|68}}
• Wotherspoon {{goal|77}}

|stadium =Fir Park

|location =Motherwell

|attendance=

|referee =Alan Muir

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|date =28 November 2020

|time =15:00

|team1 =Alloa Athletic

|score =1–0

|team2 =Heart of Midlothian

|aet =yes

|report ={{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55031947 |title=Alloa Athletic 1-0 Hearts AET: Championship strugglers claim shock win |publisher=BBC Sport |work=bbc.co.uk/sport |first=Heather |last=Dewer |date=28 November 2020 |access-date=28 November 2020}}

|goals1 =

• Trouten {{goal|109|pen.}}

|goals2 =

|stadium =Recreation Park

|location =Alloa

|attendance=

|referee =Gavin Duncan

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|date =28 November 2020

|time =17:15

|team1 =St Mirren

|score =2–1

|team2 =Aberdeen

|report ={{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55031982 |title=Joe Lewis error gives St Mirren 2-1 win cup win over Aberdeen |publisher=BBC Sport |work=bbc.co.uk/sport |first=Andy |last=Campbell |date=28 November 2020 |access-date=28 November 2020}}

|goals1 =

• Durmuş {{goal|4}}
• McGrath {{goal|88}}

|goals2 =

• McGinn {{goal|43}}

|stadium =St Mirren Park

|location =Paisley

|attendance=

|referee =Don Robertson

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|date =29 November 2020

|time =14:00

|team1 =Celtic

|score =0–2

|team2 =Ross County

|report ={{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55031989 |title=Celtic 0-2 Ross County:Dingwall side inflict shock Scottish League Cup on Lennon's men |publisher=BBC Sport |work=bbc.co.uk/sport |first=Colin |last=Moffat |date=29 November 2020 |access-date=29 November 2020}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• Stewart {{goal|39|pen.}}
• Iacovitti {{goal|84}}

|stadium =Celtic Park

|location =Glasgow

|attendance=

|referee =Kevin Clancy

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|date =29 November 2020

|time =17:00

|team1 =Falkirk

|score =0–4

|team2 =Rangers

|report ={{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55031996 |title=Falkirk 0-4 Rangers: Steven Gerrard's side into Scottish League Cup last eight |publisher=BBC Sport |work=bbc.co.uk/sport |first=Jordan |last=Elgott |date=29 November 2020 |access-date=29 November 2020}}

|goals1 =

|goals2 =

• Defoe {{goal|6}}
• Bassey {{goal|30}}
• Barišić {{goal|41}}
• Tavernier {{goal|51}}

|stadium =Falkirk Stadium

|location =Falkirk

|attendance=

|referee =Bobby Madden

}}

The quarter-final draw took place on 29 November 2020 following the Falkirk v Rangers match live on Premier Sports 1.{{cite web | url=https://spfl.co.uk/news/betfred-cup-quarter-final-draw-47180 | title=BETFRED CUP QUARTER-FINAL DRAW | publisher=SPFL | date=29 November 2020 | access-date=29 November 2020}}

Teams in Bold advanced to the semi-finals.

{{Football box collapsible

|date =15 December 2020

|time =19:45

|team1 =Dunfermline Athletic

|score =1–1

|team2 =St Johnstone

|aet =yes

|report ={{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55322961 |title=Dunfermline Athletic 1-1 St Johnstone (AET - 3-4 on penalties) |publisher=BBC Sport |work=bbc.co.uk/sport |first=Brian |last=McLauchlin |date=15 December 2020 |access-date=15 December 2020}}

|goals1 =

• Wilson {{goal|113}}

|goals2 =

• Rooney {{goal|94}}

|penaltyscore=3–4

|penalties1=

• Watson {{penmiss}}
• Wilson {{pengoal}}
• Turner {{pengoal}}
• Dow {{pengoal}}
• O'Hara {{penmiss}}

|penalties2=

• {{pengoal}} Conway
• {{pengoal}} May
• {{penmiss}} Hendry
• {{pengoal}} Booth
• {{pengoal}} Craig

|stadium =East End Park

|location =Dunfermline

|attendance=

|referee =Don Robertson

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|date =15 December 2020

|time =20:00

|team1 =Alloa Athletic

|score =1–2

|team2 =Hibernian

|report ={{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55322968 |title=Alloa Athletic 1-2 Hibernian: Jack Ross' side hit back to reach League Cup semifinals |publisher=BBC Sport |work=bbc.co.uk/sport |first=Martin |last=Watt |date=15 December 2020 |access-date=15 December 2020}}

|goals1 =

• Hanlon {{goal|34|o.g.}}

|goals2 =

• Doidge {{goal|62}}
• Jamieson {{goal|83|o.g.}}

|stadium =Recreation Park

|location =Alloa

|attendance=

|referee =David Munro

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|date =16 December 2020

|time =19:45

|team1 =Livingston

|score =2–0

|team2 =Ross County

|report ={{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55322255 |title=Livingston 2-0 Ross County |publisher=BBC Sport |work=bbc.co.uk/sport |first=Brian |last=McLauchlin |date=16 December 2020 |access-date=16 December 2020}}

|goals1 =

• Sibbald {{goal|4}}
• Forrest {{goal|24}}

|goals2 =

|stadium =Almondvale Stadium

|location =Livingston

|attendance=

|referee =Steven McLean

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|date =16 December 2020

|time =20:00

|team1 =St Mirren

|score =3–2

|team2 =Rangers

|report ={{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55322262 |title=St Mirren 3-2 Rangers |publisher=BBC Sport |work=bbc.co.uk/sport |first=Martin |last=Watt |date=16 December 2020 |access-date=16 December 2020}}

|goals1 =

• McGrath {{goal|40|pen.|53}}
• McCarthy {{goal|90+2}}

|goals2 =

• Goldson {{goal|7}}
• Davis {{goal|88}}

|stadium =St Mirren Park

|location =Paisley

|attendance=

|referee =David Dickinson

}}

The draw for the semi-finals took place on 16 December 2020 following the St Mirren v Rangers match live on Premier Sports 1.{{cite web | url=https://spfl.co.uk/news/betfred-cup-semi-final-draw-47244 | title=BETFRED CUP SEMI-FINAL DRAW | publisher=SPFL | date=16 December 2020 | access-date=16 December 2020}}

Teams in Bold advanced to the final.

{{Football box collapsible

|date =23 January 2021

|time =17:30

|team1 =St Johnstone

|score =3–0

|team2 =Hibernian

|report ={{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55741295 |title=St Johnstone 3-0 Hibernian: Perth side stun favourites to reach Scottish League Cup final |publisher=BBC Sport |work=bbc.co.uk/sport |first=Thomas |last=Duncan |date=23 January 2021 |access-date=24 January 2021}}

|goals1 =

• Kerr {{goal|35}}
• Rooney {{goal|49}}
• Conway {{goal|63}}

|goals2 =

|stadium =Hampden Park

|location =Glasgow

|attendance=

|referee =Nick Walsh

}}

{{Football box collapsible

|date =24 January 2021

|time =16:00

|team1 =Livingston

|score =1–0

|team2 =St Mirren

|report ={{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55741362 |title=Livingston 1-0 St Mirren: David Martindale's side edge through to final |publisher=BBC Sport |work=bbc.co.uk/sport |first=Martin |last=Watt |date=24 January 2021 |access-date=24 January 2021}}

|goals1 = Robinson {{goal|9}}

|goals2 =

|stadium =Hampden Park

|location =Glasgow

|attendance=

|referee =David Munro

}}

{{Main|2021 Scottish League Cup Final (February)}}

{{Football box

|date=28 February 2021

|time=14:00

|team1=St Johnstone

|score=1–0

|report={{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56217717 |title=Livingston 0-1 St Johnstone: St Johnstone edge Livingston to lift cup |publisher=BBC Sport |work=bbc.co.uk/sport |first=Clive |last=Lindsay |date=28 February 2021 |access-date=28 February 2021}}

|team2=Livingston

|goals1=Rooney {{goal|32}}

|goals2=

|stadium=Hampden Park

|location=Glasgow

|attendance=

|referee=Don Robertson

}}

{{updated|28 February 2021}}

Source:{{cite web |url=https://uk.soccerway.com/national/scotland/league-cup/20202021/group-stage/r56801/ |title=Summary - League Cup - Scotland |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=17 December 2020}}

The domestic broadcasting rights for the competition are held exclusively by Premier Sports who will broadcast between 12 and 16 Betfred Cup live matches per season as well as highlights.

The following matches were broadcast live on UK television:

{{Reflist}}

{{Scottish League Cup seasons}}

{{2020-21 in Scottish football}}

{{2020-21 in European football (UEFA)}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2020-21 Scottish League Cup}}

Category:Scottish League Cup seasons

League Cup

Cup