Full Breakdown
Crystal Palace Advances in Carabao Cup After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Millwall
9/17/2025, 12:14:07 AM
Match Overview: Crystal Palace vs. Millwall
In a closely contested Carabao Cup third-round match at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace triumphed over south London rivals Millwall in a penalty shootout, winning 4-2 after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time. The match saw Palace's debutant goalkeeper Walter Benitez play a pivotal role, saving two penalties that secured the Eagles' progression to the next round.
Key Events of the Match
Crystal Palace took the lead in the 72nd minute when Chris Richards scored from close range following a corner. However, Millwall equalized dramatically in stoppage time through Ryan Leonard, who headed in from a corner taken by Jack Howland. This late goal forced the match into a penalty shootout, where Palace maintained composure, converting all four of their penalties. In contrast, Millwall's Tristan Crama and Aidomo Emakhu had their attempts saved by Benitez, sealing the victory for Palace.
Performance Highlights
Walter Benitez, who joined Palace on a free transfer from PSV Eindhoven, made an immediate impact in his debut, saving crucial penalties that endeared him to the Palace supporters. His performance was complemented by a solid display from the Palace defense, although they faced significant pressure from Millwall, particularly in the first half. Millwall's goalkeeper, Steven Benda, also had a commendable performance, making several key saves to keep his team in contention.
Official Statements & Responses
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressed satisfaction with his team's performance, highlighting the importance of the win in maintaining momentum. He noted, “We played our best team available... Walter is great in training and has a lot of experience.” Millwall's manager, Alex Neil, acknowledged the challenges faced by his squad, particularly with several young players stepping up in the absence of key personnel. He stated, “I was proud of the performance... for them to take all that on board... and put that level of performance in, I thought it was terrific.”
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the loss, Millwall's performance drew praise, especially considering they made eight changes to their lineup. Critics pointed out that the team’s inability to convert key chances, particularly in the first half, ultimately cost them the match. Neil emphasized that the young players showed resilience, but acknowledged the need for improvement in finishing.
What's Next
Crystal Palace will await the draw for the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, which will take place after the conclusion of the third round matches. Meanwhile, Millwall will look to regroup and focus on their Championship campaign, aiming to build on the positives from this match.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Walter is great in training and has a lot of experience.” — Oliver Glasner, Manager, Crystal Palace
- “So for them to take all that on board, and all these setbacks along the way and put that level of performance in, I thought it was terrific.” — Alex Neil, Manager, Millwall
This victory extends Crystal Palace's unbeaten run to 16 games across all competitions, showcasing their strong form as they continue to compete on multiple fronts this season.
