The Carabao Cup first round delivered dramatic penalty shootouts and surprise results, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall all securing wins to advance. Fans saw 25 matches across England, with lower-league sides pushing Premier League clubs to the limit.
Carabao Cup First Round: Key Results and Highlights
The competition kicked off with a flurry of action, as several ties went to penalties. 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 advanced, beating QPR 2-0 in a shootout.
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Penalty Shootout Drama
Multiple matches were decided from the spot, creating high drama for fans. AFC Wimbledon beat Newport 5-4 on penalties, and Barnsley overcame Wigan 6-5 in a marathon shootout. Reading also needed penalties to beat Bromley 5-4, while Preston edged Huddersfield 4-3.
Other shootout winners included Shrewsbury (4-3 vs Salford) and Doncaster (5-4 vs Stockport). These results show the unpredictability of cup football, where lower-league teams often push their top-tier opponents to the brink.
Complete Carabao Cup First Round Scores
| 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 (2-0 pens) | Millwall |
| AFC Wimbledon vs Newport | 1-1 (5-4 pens) | AFC Wimbledon |
| Barnsley vs Wigan | 1-1 (6-5 pens) | Barnsley |
| Leicester vs Northampton | 1-0 | Leicester |
| Norwich vs MK Dons | 4-1 | Norwich |
Top Performances and Surprises
Premier League side Leicester secured a narrow 1-0 win over Northampton, while Norwich thrashed MK Dons 4-1. Championship clubs like Blackburn and Luton also impressed with away wins at Burton and Gillingham respectively.

However, there were upsets as Lincoln beat Derby 2-1, and Peterborough won 1-0 at Bristol Rovers. League Two side Bradford also advanced with a 2-0 victory over Rochdale, proving that cup competitions offer a stage for underdogs.
Key Takeaways from the First Round
- West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall all advanced with wins.
- Seven matches were decided by penalty shootouts.
- Lower-league teams like Lincoln and Bradford caused upsets.
- Leicester and Norwich cruised through with comfortable wins.
- The second round promises more exciting matchups.
As the Carabao Cup progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters. The first round has set the tone for a competition that often delivers surprises and memorable moments.

FAQ
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Stay tuned for more Carabao Cup coverage as the tournament progresses. For the latest results and analysis, check back regularly.