There were eight Championship sides involved in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, for some of those their cup run is over for another year, but for others there were positive performances and victories taking them into the Last 16 of the competition.
Derby County claimed the biggest scalp of the Championship teams in action, defeating Manchester United 8-7 on penalties at Old Trafford following a 2-2 draw, after a pulsating cup tie. The Rams trip to United was further heightened by the clash in the dugout, as Frank Lampard attempted to cause an upset against his former boss Jose Mourinho.
The game did not start so brightly for Derby, with Juan Mata giving the hosts a third minute lead, but Lampard’s side drew level on the hour mark, with a sublime free kick from Liverpool loanee Harry Wilson leaving United keeper Sergio Romero routed to the spot. Romero was then sent off for handling outside the area, and The Rams took advantage with Jack Marriott heading them in front with five minutes remaining. Marouane Fellani headed in an equaliser deep into added time, but Derby managed to win the resulting shootout to claim a dramatic upset.
Elsewhere there were victories for Middlesbrough, who beat Preston North End 4-3 on penalties in an all Championship tie after a 2-2 draw, and Norwich City who won 4-3 at League 1 Wycombe Wanderers in a seven-goal thriller, despite a fightback from Gareth Ainsworh’s side, who rallied after falling 4-1 behind early in the second half.
However, Millwall, who lost 3-1 at home to Fulham, West Bromwich Albion, who lost 3-0 at home to Crystal Palace and Blackburn Rovers, who were beaten 3-2 at Bournemouth despite coming back from two goals down, were all knocked out by Premier League opponents having each conceded three goals.
Queens Park Rangers were the only Championship side to fall to an upset, as Steve, McClaren’s side were comfortably beaten 2-0 by League 1 Blackpool at Bloomfield Road following a poor performance. QPR were reduced to 10-men at 1-0 down, with Jordan Cousins sent off for a second bookable offence, and the hosts took advantage doubling their lead and comfortably securing an upset.
