Premier League clubs faced stiff competition in the League Cup’s last 16, with some lower-division teams extending top-flight opponents to their limits and one securing a spot in the quarterfinals.
Fulham, currently 17th in the Premier League and reeling from four consecutive league defeats, narrowly escaped elimination. They defeated third-tier Wycombe 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regular time.
Wycombe, sitting 17th in League One, took an early lead through Cauley Woodrow just four minutes into the match. Joshua King equalized for Fulham in the 48th minute, sending the game to penalties.
Fellow Premier League side Brentford advanced more comfortably, securing a 5-0 away victory against fourth-tier Grimsby Town. Grimsby had previously caused a significant upset by eliminating Manchester United on penalties in the second round.
In another match, third-division Cardiff progressed to the quarterfinals by beating second-division Wrexham 2-1. This marked a Welsh derby within the English cup competition.
The round of 16 of the 66th League Cup edition concludes on Wednesday with five more fixtures. These include clashes between holders Newcastle and Tottenham, and record 10-time winners Liverpool against Crystal Palace.
Following these matches, the winners will join the qualified teams in the quarterfinals. The remaining field currently includes 11 Premier League clubs, one Championship side, and one club from League One.