The Carabao Cup round of 16 brought a night filled with suspense and close encounters as Southampton and Brentford fought their way to the quarterfinals. Both Premier League clubs encountered tenacious opponents from lower leagues, but late-game heroics and penalty drama ultimately saw them through to the next round.
Southampton Triumphs with Last-Minute Winner
Southampton hosted Stoke City in a game that showcased resilience from both teams. Southampton seemed to be cruising early on, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis giving them the lead in the 15th minute, heading in a well-placed corner to start the scoring. Shortly after, Adam Armstrong doubled Southampton’s advantage by converting a penalty, putting the Premier League side 2-0 up in the first half
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However, Stoke City was not ready to bow out quietly. A goal from Ashley Phillips, on loan from Tottenham, breathed life into Stoke just before halftime, cutting Southampton’s lead to 2-1. Early in the second half, Thomas Cannon scored the equalizer, sending shockwaves through the Southampton supporters as Stoke began to look like they could pull off an upset. But as the clock neared full time, Southampton’s James Bree stepped up with a sensational goal from outside the box, sealing a 3-2 victory and sending the Saints through to the quarterfinals
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Brentford Survives Sheffield Wednesday in a Nail-Biting Penalty Shootout
At Brentford, the Premier League team squared off against Sheffield Wednesday in a clash that also delivered high drama. Brentford took an early lead, courtesy of Kevin Schade, who tapped in a rebound after his initial shot was blocked. However, Sheffield Wednesday soon responded with a spectacular 35-yard strike from Djeidi Gassama, leveling the score 1-1
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The match went into penalties, where both sides showcased remarkable composure. Each team converted their first four attempts, keeping the suspense alive until Brentford’s fifth shot sailed in. In a decisive moment, Brentford’s goalkeeper Mark Flekken made a crucial save against Liam Palmer’s penalty, securing Brentford’s place in the quarterfinals with a 5-4 shootout win
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Looking Ahead
With Southampton and Brentford booking their places in the next round, the Carabao Cup quarterfinal lineup is beginning to take shape. The action continues tonight, with high-profile matchups including Tottenham taking on Manchester City and Brighton facing Liverpool. Fans can expect more drama as these teams battle for a spot in the final stages of one of England’s most exciting knockout competitions
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As the quarterfinals approach, Southampton and Brentford’s victories highlight the unpredictable and thrilling nature of cup football, where persistence and grit often triumph over form and standings.