The Carabao Cup first round delivered drama and upsets, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall securing wins. Football fans saw penalty shootouts, late goals, and standout performances across the competition.
Carabao Cup First Round Highlights
The first round of the Carabao Cup featured 35 matches, with many ties decided by nerve-wracking penalty shootouts. 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 past QPR, winning 2-0 in the shootout after a 1-1 stalemate.
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Key Results and Upsets
Several lower-league sides made headlines. AFC Wimbledon beat Newport 5-4 on penalties, and Reading overcame Bromley in a dramatic shootout. Barnsley and Doncaster also advanced via spot-kicks, while Bradford and Stoke secured comfortable victories.
| 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 |
| Bromley vs Reading | 1-1 (4-5 pens) | Reading |
Penalty Shootout Drama
Penalties were the theme of the night, with eight ties decided from the spot. Burnley's Kyle Walker, a four-time winner with Manchester City, smashed home the decisive kick against Notts County. Barnsley and Wigan produced a 6-5 shootout, while Shrewsbury beat Salford 4-3.
What This Means for the Tournament
These results set up an exciting second round, with Premier League clubs entering the fray. The Carabao Cup continues to provide opportunities for lower-league teams to shine, and this year's first round was no exception.

- West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall all advanced with wins.
- Eight matches required penalty shootouts.
- Several underdogs, like AFC Wimbledon and Reading, progressed.
- Leicester, Norwich, and Luton also secured victories.
Carabao Cup First Round Stats
In total, 35 matches were played, with 70 teams competing. The competition saw a mix of Premier League, Championship, League One, and League Two sides, highlighting the depth of English football.
FAQ
Who won the Carabao Cup first round matches?
How many Carabao Cup first round ties went to penalties?
When is the Carabao Cup second round?
The Carabao Cup first round provided plenty of excitement, and fans can look forward to more drama in the next stage. Stay tuned for updates on fixtures and results.
