The Carabao Cup first round delivered dramatic penalty shootouts and surprise upsets, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall securing their spots in the second round. Fans witnessed 20 matches filled with goals, saves, and nerve-wracking spot-kicks that defined the opening stage of the EFL Cup.
West Ham Comeback Victory Over Portsmouth
At the London Stadium, West Ham trailed early against Portsmouth but mounted a thrilling comeback to win 3-1. The Hammers showed resilience, with key substitutions changing the game's momentum in the second half. This victory sets a positive tone for their domestic cup campaign.
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Burnley Edge Notts County in Penalty Drama
Burnley needed a shootout to overcome League Two side 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 advanced 4-3 on penalties, avoiding an early exit.
Millwall Knock Out QPR in London Derby
Millwall triumphed over QPR in a tense penalty shootout, winning 2-0 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The Lions' goalkeeper was the hero, saving two spot-kicks to send the away fans into raptures. This local derby added extra spice to an already competitive round.
Full Carabao Cup First Round Results
Here are all the scores from the first round, including extra-time and penalty outcomes where applicable:

| Match | Result | Penalty Shootout |
|---|---|---|
| West Ham vs Portsmouth | 3-1 | N/A |
| Burnley vs Notts County | 1-1 | Burnley won 4-3 |
| Millwall vs QPR | 1-1 | Millwall won 2-0 |
| AFC Wimbledon vs Newport | 1-1 | AFC Wimbledon won 5-4 |
| Barnsley vs Wigan | 1-1 | Barnsley won 6-5 |
| Bromley vs Reading | 1-1 | Reading won 5-4 |
| Preston vs Huddersfield | 1-1 | Preston won 4-3 |
| Salford vs Shrewsbury | 1-1 | Shrewsbury won 4-3 |
| Stockport vs Doncaster | 1-1 | Doncaster won 5-4 |
Key Takeaways from the First Round
- Penalty shootouts dominated: 9 of 20 matches went to spot-kicks, showcasing the competitive balance.
- Championship sides struggled: Several higher-league teams were pushed to the limit by lower-league opposition.
- West Ham's comeback: A strong second-half performance highlighted their depth and attacking quality.
- Burnley's experience: Kyle Walker's winning penalty underscored the value of big-game players.
- Millwall's resilience: Winning a derby shootout boosts morale for their league campaign.
What's Next in the Carabao Cup?
The second round draw will feature Premier League clubs entering the competition, adding more star power and intrigue. Teams like West Ham and Burnley will face tougher tests, while lower-league sides dream of giant-killings. The Carabao Cup continues to provide excitement and unpredictability.
FAQ
Who won the Carabao Cup first round matches?
When is the Carabao Cup second round draw?
Which big teams were eliminated in the first round?
The Carabao Cup first round showcased the magic of cup football, with underdogs pushing favorites to the limit. As the competition progresses, expect more drama and memorable moments.
