The Carabao Cup first round delivered a thrilling night of football, with West Ham, Burnley, and Millwall all securing victories. Fans witnessed dramatic penalty shootouts, surprise upsets, and standout performances across the board.
Carabao Cup First Round: Key Results and Highlights
The first round of the Carabao Cup featured 30 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, defeating QPR 2-0 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate.
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West Ham's Comeback Victory Over Portsmouth
West Ham trailed early but rallied to secure a 3-1 win. The Hammers' attacking display in the second half proved decisive, with goals from key players sealing their place in the second round. This victory highlighted their depth and resilience ahead of the new season.
Burnley's Penalty Shootout Drama
Burnley and Notts County played out a 1-1 draw, forcing a tense penalty shootout. Kyle Walker, a four-time winner of this competition with Manchester City, smashed home the deciding spot-kick to send Burnley through 4-3. The Clarets showed composure under pressure.
Millwall's Gritty Win Over QPR
Millwall and QPR couldn't be separated after 90 minutes, ending 1-1. In the shootout, Millwall goalkeeper made crucial saves, and the Lions converted all their penalties to win 2-0 in the shootout. It was a hard-fought London derby that went to the wire.

Full List of Carabao Cup First Round Results
| Match | Score | 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 |
| Bradford vs Rochdale | 2-0 | Bradford |
| Bristol Rovers vs Peterborough | 0-1 | Peterborough |
| Bromley vs Reading | 1-1 (4-5 pens) | Reading |
| 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 (4-3 pens) | Preston |
| Salford vs Shrewsbury | 1-1 (3-4 pens) | Shrewsbury |
| Sheff Wed vs Bolton | 1-0 | Sheff Wed |
| Stockport vs Doncaster | 1-1 (4-5 pens) | Doncaster |
| Stoke vs Oldham | 2-0 | Stoke |
| Swansea vs Birmingham | 0-1 | Birmingham |
| Watford vs Crawley | 1-0 | Watford |
Key Takeaways from the Carabao Cup First Round
- Several lower-league teams pushed higher-tier opponents to the brink, with many matches decided by penalties.
- West Ham's comeback showcased their Premier League quality, while Burnley's shootout win highlighted their mental toughness.
- Millwall's victory over QPR was a classic London derby, with the Lions advancing on penalties.
- Penalty shootouts were a recurring theme, with 10 of the 30 matches going to spot-kicks.
- The second round promises more excitement as bigger clubs enter the competition.
FAQ: Carabao Cup First Round
What is the Carabao Cup?
The Carabao Cup, also known as the EFL Cup, is an annual knockout football competition in England. It features clubs from the Premier League and the English Football League.
When was the Carabao Cup first round played?
The first round of the Carabao Cup was played on the evening of the match, with all 30 fixtures taking place simultaneously.

Which teams advanced to the second round?
All winners from the first round, including West Ham, Burnley, Millwall, Leicester, Norwich, and many others, advanced to the second round.
How many penalty shootouts were there in the first round?
There were 10 penalty shootouts in the first round, with several matches ending level after 90 minutes.

Stay tuned for the second round draw and more Carabao Cup action. The competition continues to provide drama and excitement for football fans everywhere.