The Carabao Cup first round delivered thrilling action, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall all securing victories. Fans witnessed dramatic penalty shootouts and surprising upsets as lower-league teams pushed Premier League sides to the limit. This comprehensive roundup covers every score, key moments, and what it means for the road to Wembley.
Carabao Cup First Round: Key Results and Highlights
The first round of the Carabao Cup featured 35 matches across England and Wales, with several matches needing penalties to decide the winner. Premier League clubs like West Ham and Burnley entered the competition at this stage, while Championship sides like Millwall also faced tough tests.
West Ham Comeback Victory Over Portsmouth
At the London Stadium, West Ham trailed early but mounted a 3-1 comeback against Portsmouth. Goals from Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio turned the tie around, easing pressure on manager Julen Lopetegui. The win keeps West Ham's hopes of a first major trophy since 1980 alive.
Burnley Edge Notts County on Penalties
Burnley, recently relegated from the Premier League, needed a 4-3 penalty shootout win over Notts County after a 1-1 draw. Kyle Walker, a four-time winner of this competition with Manchester City, smashed home the decisive spot-kick. The Clarets showed resilience but will need to improve in open play.
Millwall Knock Out QPR in Shootout
Millwall triumphed over Queens Park Rangers in a tense 2-0 penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. The Lions' goalkeeper was the hero, saving two spot-kicks. Millwall's victory sets up a second-round tie against a yet-to-be-determined opponent.

Complete Carabao Cup First Round Scoreboard
Here is the full list of results from the first round, including penalty shootout winners where applicable:
| Match | Score | Winner (if penalties) |
|---|---|---|
| AFC Wimbledon vs Newport | 1-1 | AFC Wimbledon (5-4 pens) |
| Barnsley vs Wigan | 1-1 | Barnsley (6-5 pens) |
| Bradford vs Rochdale | 2-0 | Bradford |
| Bristol Rovers vs Peterborough | 0-1 | Peterborough |
| Bromley vs Reading | 1-1 | Reading (5-4 pens) |
| Burnley vs Notts County | 1-1 | Burnley (4-3 pens) |
| Burton vs Blackburn | 1-2 | Blackburn |
| Cambridge vs Barnet | 2-1 | Cambridge |
| Cardiff vs Swindon | 3-2 | Cardiff |
| Crewe vs Accrington | 2-1 | Crewe |
| Derby vs Lincoln | 1-2 | Lincoln |
| Fleetwood vs Chesterfield | 1-0 | Fleetwood |
| Gillingham vs Luton | 0-3 | Luton |
| Grimsby vs Blackpool | 1-3 | Blackpool |
| Leicester vs Northampton | 1-0 | Leicester |
| Leyton Orient vs Oxford | 2-0 | Leyton Orient |
| Norwich vs MK Dons | 4-1 | Norwich |
| Preston vs Huddersfield | 1-1 | Preston (4-3 pens) |
| QPR vs Millwall | 1-1 | Millwall (2-0 pens) |
| Salford vs Shrewsbury | 1-1 | Shrewsbury (4-3 pens) |
| Sheff Wed vs Bolton | 1-0 | Sheffield Wednesday |
| Stockport vs Doncaster | 1-1 | Doncaster (5-4 pens) |
| Stoke vs Oldham | 2-0 | Stoke |
| Swansea vs Birmingham | 0-1 | Birmingham |
| Watford vs Crawley | 1-0 | Watford |
| West Ham vs Portsmouth | 3-1 | West Ham |
Key Takeaways from the Carabao Cup First Round
- Penalty drama was the theme, with 10 matches decided by shootouts.
- Premier League sides mostly advanced, but lower-league teams like Lincoln and Doncaster pulled off upsets.
- West Ham and Burnley showed character but will need sharper performances in later rounds.
- Millwall's defensive resilience proved key against QPR.
What's Next in the Carabao Cup?
The second round draw will pair the winners with Premier League clubs that enter at that stage, including the traditional top six. Matches are expected to take place in late August, with all eyes on potential giant-killings.

FAQ
When was the Carabao Cup first round played?
The first round matches were played over two days in mid-August, with the majority taking place on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings.
Which Premier League teams were eliminated in the first round?
No Premier League teams were eliminated in the first round, as all top-flight clubs that participated (West Ham, Burnley, and others) advanced. However, some Championship sides like Derby and Swansea were knocked out.

How many matches went to penalties in the Carabao Cup first round?
Exactly 10 matches were decided by penalty shootouts, with the most dramatic being Barnsley's 6-5 win over Wigan and Reading's 5-4 victory over Bromley.
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