The Carabao Cup first round delivered drama and upsets, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall securing crucial wins. Football fans witnessed penalty shootouts and late goals across the competition, making it a memorable night of cup action.
Carabao Cup First Round Highlights
The first round of the Carabao Cup featured 35 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 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Millwall also advanced past QPR with a 2-0 penalty shootout win.
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West Ham's Comeback Victory
West Ham showed resilience after conceding an early goal, with second-half strikes sealing a 3-1 win over Portsmouth. The Hammers' attacking play improved dramatically after the break, and their experience proved decisive against a spirited League One side.
Burnley's Penalty Shootout Thriller
Burnley needed a shootout to overcome Notts County, with Kyle Walker smashing home the decisive spot-kick. The Championship side dominated possession but lacked a cutting edge, making the penalty shootout a tense affair for fans.
Penalty Shootout Results
Several ties went to penalties, with mixed fortunes for the teams involved. AFC Wimbledon beat Newport 5-4, Barnsley edged Wigan 6-5, and Reading triumphed over Bromley 5-4. Preston also won 4-3 against Huddersfield, while Doncaster dispatched Stockport 5-4.

| 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 |
Key Takeaways from the First Round
- Premier League teams largely avoided upsets, with West Ham and Burnley advancing.
- Penalty shootouts decided six ties, highlighting the competitive nature of the cup.
- Lower-league sides like Bromley and Newport pushed higher-ranked opponents to the limit.
- Leicester and Norwich secured comfortable wins, while Stoke and Blackburn also progressed.
Other Notable Results
Leicester beat Northampton 1-0, Norwich thrashed MK Dons 4-1, and Blackburn defeated Burton 2-1. Cardiff edged Swindon 3-2, while Luton cruised past Gillingham 3-0. Bradford shut out Rochdale 2-0, and Peterborough won 1-0 at Bristol Rovers.
FAQs
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The Carabao Cup first round set the stage for an exciting competition, with underdogs and giants alike battling for a spot in the next round. As the tournament progresses, expect more drama and memorable moments.
