The Carabao Cup first round delivered thrilling action, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall securing victories. Fans witnessed dramatic penalty shootouts and surprising upsets across the board. This article breaks down all the key results and moments from the opening round of the EFL Cup.
Carabao Cup First Round: Key Results and Highlights
The first round of the Carabao Cup featured 36 matches, with several Premier League and Championship clubs entering the fray. West Ham came from behind to beat Portsmouth 3-1 at the London Stadium, while Burnley edged Notts County on penalties. Millwall also advanced after a shootout win over QPR.
Get Lifetime Access to Top AI Tools
Find Bleeding Edge Business Software at Scandalous Prices on Appsumo.
West Ham's Comeback Victory
West Ham trailed early but responded with three goals to secure a comfortable win. The Hammers showed resilience and depth, with key players stepping up in the second half. This result sets a positive tone for their League Cup campaign.
Burnley and Millwall Advance via Penalties
Burnley needed a shootout to overcome League Two side Notts County, winning 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Millwall also progressed, beating QPR 2-0 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate. Both matches highlighted the unpredictability of cup football.
Complete Carabao Cup First Round Results
Here is a full list of scores from the first round, including all penalty shootout outcomes:

| Match | Score (After 90 mins) | Winner (Penalties) |
|---|---|---|
| West Ham vs Portsmouth | 3-1 | West Ham |
| Burnley vs Notts County | 1-1 | Burnley (4-3 pens) |
| Millwall vs QPR | 1-1 | Millwall (2-0 pens) |
| AFC Wimbledon vs Newport | 1-1 | AFC Wimbledon (5-4 pens) |
| Barnsley vs Wigan | 1-1 | Barnsley (6-5 pens) |
| Leicester vs Northampton | 1-0 | Leicester |
| Norwich vs MK Dons | 4-1 | Norwich |
Other notable results included Bradford beating Rochdale 2-0, Bristol Rovers losing 0-1 to Peterborough, and Cardiff defeating Swindon 3-2. Several matches went to penalties, adding to the drama.
Penalty Shootout Drama
Penalty shootouts were a recurring theme, with eight matches decided from the spot. Barnsley won the longest shootout, defeating Wigan 6-5. Reading also prevailed, beating Bromley 5-4 after a 1-1 draw. These nail-biting finishes showcased the competitive spirit of the competition.

Underdogs and Upsets
While many favorites advanced, there were notable upsets. Lincoln City beat Derby County 2-1, and Blackpool triumphed 3-1 over Grimsby. Birmingham City also secured a 1-0 win at Swansea, proving that lower-league teams can compete with higher-tier opposition.
Key Takeaways from the First Round
- West Ham showed attacking prowess with a comeback win.
- Burnley and Millwall demonstrated mental strength in shootouts.
- Eight matches required penalties, highlighting the tight margins in cup ties.
- Several lower-league teams caused upsets, making the Carabao Cup unpredictable.
- Premier League clubs like Leicester and Norwich advanced comfortably.
What's Next in the Carabao Cup?
The second round draw will feature the winners, with Premier League clubs entering in the next stage. Teams like West Ham and Burnley will look to build on their momentum, while underdogs hope to continue their cup runs. Stay tuned for more Carabao Cup action.

FAQ
Who won the Carabao Cup first round matches?
How many Carabao Cup first round matches went to penalties?
What were the biggest upsets in the Carabao Cup first round?
For more detailed match reports and analysis, check back regularly. The Carabao Cup continues to deliver excitement and surprises.