The Carabao Cup first round delivered a night of drama, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall all advancing after thrilling encounters. Fans witnessed penalty shootouts, comeback victories, and a host of upsets across the EFL and Premier League clubs.
Carabao Cup First Round: Key Results and Highlights
The competition kicked off with a flurry of matches, showcasing the depth of English football. West Ham came from behind to beat Portsmouth 3-1 at the London Stadium, while Burnley edged Notts County 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Millwall also progressed, defeating QPR 2-0 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate.
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West Ham's Comeback Victory
At the London Stadium, West Ham trailed early but responded with three unanswered goals to secure a comfortable win. The comeback highlighted their attacking prowess and resilience, setting a positive tone for their cup campaign.
Burnley and Millwall Advance via Shootouts
Burnley's match against Notts County ended 1-1, forcing a tense penalty shootout. Kyle Walker, a four-time winner of this competition with Manchester City, smashed home the decisive spot-kick. Meanwhile, Millwall's shootout against QPR saw them win 2-0, with the goalkeeper making crucial saves.
Full List of Carabao Cup First Round Results
Here is the complete scoreline from all first-round matches, including those decided by penalties:

| Match | Result | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| West Ham vs Portsmouth | 3-1 | West Ham |
| Burnley vs Notts County | 1-1 (4-3 pens) | Burnley |
| QPR vs Millwall | 1-1 (0-2 pens) | Millwall |
| AFC Wimbledon vs Newport | 1-1 (5-4 pens) | AFC Wimbledon |
| Barnsley vs Wigan | 1-1 (6-5 pens) | Barnsley |
| Bradford vs Rochdale | 2-0 | Bradford |
| Bristol Rovers vs Peterborough | 0-1 | Peterborough |
| Bromley vs Reading | 1-1 (4-5 pens) | Reading |
| 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 (4-3 pens) | Preston |
| Salford vs Shrewsbury | 1-1 (3-4 pens) | Shrewsbury |
| Sheff Wed vs Bolton | 1-0 | Sheff Wed |
| Stockport vs Doncaster | 1-1 (4-5 pens) | Doncaster |
| Stoke vs Oldham | 2-0 | Stoke |
| Swansea vs Birmingham | 0-1 | Birmingham |
| Watford vs Crawley | 1-0 | Watford |
Key Takeaways from the First Round
- West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall all advanced to the second round, showcasing their cup pedigree.
- Several lower-league teams pushed higher-division opponents to the brink, with many matches decided by penalties.
- Leicester, Norwich, and Blackburn secured comfortable wins, while Luton impressed with a 3-0 away victory at Gillingham.
- Penalty shootouts were the theme of the night, with 10 matches requiring spot-kicks to separate the sides.
What to Expect in the Second Round
The second round promises more excitement as Premier League clubs like West Ham and Burnley join the fray. With the draw set to be made soon, fans can look forward to potential giant-killings and intense rivalries. Stay tuned for updates on fixtures and results.