A comprehensive recap of the EFL Cup third round as Manchester United, Southampton, Preston, and Crystal Palace secure their places in the last 16.
The third round of the EFL Cup provided a night of thrilling football action across multiple venues as teams battled for a place in the last 16. From Preston’s historic penalty shootout win to Manchester United’s demolition of Barnsley, the night had it all. Let’s take a deep dive into the standout matches.
Preston North End 1-1 Fulham (16-15 on Penalties)
Preston Sets EFL Cup
Penalty Shootout Record
In one of the most dramatic encounters of the night, Preston North End triumphed over Fulham in a record-breaking penalty shootout, sealing their place in the next round with a 16-15 victory at Deepdale. After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, neither side could break the deadlock during penalties until the remarkable shootout finally came to an end after 34 spot-kicks—the most ever taken in an EFL Cup match.
Preston took the lead in the 35th minute when Ryan Ledson struck a powerful shot from the edge of the box, surprising Fulham’s defense. However, Fulham found their equalizer in the 61st minute, thanks to a composed finish from Reiss Nelson, who slotted the ball home after Ryan Sessegnon set him up beautifully. Despite several chances from both sides, the game ended level, sending it to a marathon shootout where Preston prevailed.
Manchester United vs Barnsley (7-0)
Rashford and Garnacho Steal the Show in United’s Dominant Win
Manchester United showcased their attacking brilliance in a ruthless 7-0 demolition of Barnsley at Old Trafford. Erik ten Hag’s side was in blistering form, with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho spearheading the attack and dismantling Barnsley’s defense. Rashford opened the scoring in the 16th minute, latching onto a brilliant diagonal pass from Garnacho before firing past the goalkeeper.
United doubled their lead 20 minutes later when Antony converted a penalty after being fouled inside the box. Garnacho continued his stellar performance, netting twice in the match with clinical finishes, including his second just four minutes into the second half. Rashford completed his brace soon after, putting the game completely out of reach for Barnsley.
Christian Eriksen also contributed to the scoreline, finding the back of the net twice as United ran riot. It was a night to remember for the Red Devils, as they moved comfortably into the last 16 of the competition.
Everton 1-1 Southampton (5-6 on Penalties)
Southampton Edge Everton in Shootout Drama
Everton’s woes continued as they suffered yet another setback, this time in the EFL Cup, where they were knocked out by Southampton after a tense 6-5 penalty shootout loss at Goodison Park. Despite taking the lead in the 20th minute through Abdoulaye Doucouré, who headed home from a Michael Keane flick-on, the Toffees could not hold onto their advantage.
Southampton equalized in the 32nd minute through Taylor Harwood-Bellis, who rose high to head in a free-kick past Everton’s goalkeeper. Both teams failed to score in the second half, leading to a dramatic penalty shootout. Ashley Young’s missed penalty sealed Everton’s fate as Southampton progressed to the next round.
Queens Park Rangers 1-2 Crystal Palace
Eze’s Brilliance Seals Palace’s Progress in London Derby
Crystal Palace booked their place in the EFL Cup’s last 16 after a narrow 2-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers in an all-London affair at Loftus Road. Palace took the lead early, with Eddie Nketiah scoring his first goal for the club in the 16th minute, following a clever pass from Eberechi Eze, who was pivotal throughout the match.
QPR responded quickly in the second half when Sam Field capitalized on a loose ball from a corner to level the score. However, Palace regained their lead just after the hour mark when Eze, playing against his former club, struck from distance with the help of a deflection off Steve Cook.
QPR struggled to mount a comeback after falling behind, allowing Palace to secure their progression in what was a gritty contest.
In a Nutshell
The third round of the EFL Cup was full of excitement and drama. Manchester United’s overwhelming 7-0 victory over Barnsley and Preston’s record-breaking penalty shootout win were among the night’s highlights. Southampton and Crystal Palace also delivered strong performances to secure their spots in the next round. With more action to come, football fans will eagerly await what’s in store as the competition heats up.
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