The Carabao Cup first round delivered dramatic penalty shootouts and surprise results, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall advancing. Fans saw 25 matches across England, from League Two upstarts to Premier League heavyweights, all fighting for a spot in the second round.
Carabao Cup First Round: Key Winners and Losers
West Ham came from behind to beat Portsmouth 3-1 at the London Stadium, thanks to a second-half rally. Burnley edged Notts County 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, while Millwall overcame QPR in a tense shootout. The competition’s early rounds are known for upsets, and this year was no exception.
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Penalty Shootout Drama Dominates the Night
Seven matches went to penalties, with several decided by a single kick. AFC Wimbledon beat Newport 5-4 on pens after a 1-1 draw. Barnsley edged Wigan 6-5, and Reading survived Bromley 5-4. Shrewsbury and Doncaster also advanced via shootouts, while Preston beat Huddersfield 4-3.
These shootouts highlighted the fine margins in cup football. Burnley’s Kyle Walker, a four-time winner with Manchester City, smashed home the decisive penalty against Notts County, showing experience under pressure.
Full Carabao Cup First Round Results
Here’s the complete list of scores from the first round, including regulation and penalty results:
| Match | Result | Winner (If Penalties) |
|---|---|---|
| AFC Wimbledon vs Newport | 1-1 | AFC Wimbledon (5-4 pens) |
| Barnsley vs Wigan | 1-1 | Barnsley (6-5 pens) |
| Bradford vs Rochdale | 2-0 | Bradford |
| Bristol Rovers vs Peterborough | 0-1 | Peterborough |
| Bromley vs Reading | 1-1 | Reading (5-4 pens) |
| Burnley vs Notts County | 1-1 | Burnley (4-3 pens) |
| 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 | Preston (4-3 pens) |
| QPR vs Millwall | 1-1 | Millwall (2-0 pens) |
| Salford vs Shrewsbury | 1-1 | Shrewsbury (4-3 pens) |
| Sheff Wed vs Bolton | 1-0 | Sheff Wed |
| Stockport vs Doncaster | 1-1 | Doncaster (5-4 pens) |
| Stoke vs Oldham | 2-0 | Stoke |
| Swansea vs Birmingham | 0-1 | Birmingham |
| Watford vs Crawley | 1-0 | Watford |
| West Ham vs Portsmouth | 3-1 | West Ham |
Top Takeaways from the First Round
- West Ham’s comeback showed Premier League quality, but they were tested by Portsmouth.
- Burnley’s penalty win underlined the importance of experience in shootouts.
- Millwall’s 2-0 shootout win over QPR was a tactical masterclass in goalkeeping.
- Seven of 26 matches went to penalties, proving the cup’s unpredictability.
- Lower-league teams like Bromley and Salford pushed higher-tier sides to the brink.
What’s Next in the Carabao Cup?
The second round draw will feature all 25 winners plus Premier League clubs not in European competition. Expect more giant-killings as the tournament progresses. For fans, the Carabao Cup remains a chance to see young talent and surprise results.
FAQ
Who won the Carabao Cup first round matches?
Which matches went to penalties in the Carabao Cup first round?
When is the Carabao Cup second round draw?
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