The Carabao Cup first round delivered thrilling action, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall securing wins. Fans witnessed dramatic penalty shootouts and surprise upsets across the competition.
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 on penalties. Millwall also advanced after a tense shootout against QPR.
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West Ham's Comeback Victory
West Ham showed resilience after conceding early, scoring three unanswered goals to defeat Portsmouth. The Hammers' attacking display pleased the home crowd and set a strong tone for their cup campaign.
Burnley and Millwall Progress
Burnley needed penalty heroics to overcome League Two side Notts County, with Kyle Walker scoring the decisive spot-kick. Millwall triumphed 2-0 on penalties against QPR after a 1-1 draw, showcasing their defensive solidity.
Key Results and Penalty Shootouts
Several matches went to penalties, creating edge-of-the-seat drama. AFC Wimbledon beat Newport 5-4 on pens, while Barnsley edged Wigan 6-5. Reading also advanced past Bromley in a shootout.

| 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 |
Surprises and Upsets
Lower-league teams made their mark, with Bradford defeating Rochdale 2-0 and Crewe beating Accrington. Peterborough also secured a 1-0 win over Bristol Rovers, while Luton thrashed Gillingham 3-0.
Notable Performances
- Leicester edged Northampton 1-0 in a tight contest.
- Norwich cruised past MK Dons with a 4-1 victory.
- Blackpool beat Grimsby 3-1 away from home.
- Stoke and Blackburn also advanced with comfortable wins.
What This Means for the Competition
The first round set the stage for an exciting second round, with several Premier League clubs joining the draw. Teams like West Ham and Burnley will look to build momentum, while lower-league sides dream of a cup run.

Key Takeaways
- West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall all advanced with wins.
- Penalty shootouts decided 8 matches, adding drama.
- Several upsets occurred, with lower-league teams progressing.
- Leicester and Norwich impressed with solid performances.