Match Overview
The Carabao Cup third‑round tie at Selhurst Park turned into a classic South London showdown. Both Premier League side Crystal Palace and Championship rivals Millwall fought for dominance, producing a match that swung back and forth for the full 90 minutes. The home side opened the scoring after a chaotic corner when Richards slipped in a loose ball and finished from close range, a goal described by fans as messy but decisive.
Millwall responded quickly, capitalising on a defensive lapse to level the score. The rest of regular time saw chances on both ends – Palace’s creative midfield tried to break down a compact Millwall defence, while the Lions’ counter‑attacks threatened the home goal. In the end, the scoreboard stayed at 1-1, forcing the game into a penalty shootout.
Key Moments and Aftermath
The shootout provided the drama everyone expected. Walter Benítez, making his Palace debut, stepped up as the unlikely hero. He produced two crucial saves, denying Millwall’s best shooters and giving his teammates the confidence to convert their own spot‑kicks. Palace edged the shootout 4-2, clinching a place in the fourth round and extending their impressive unbeaten run to 16 matches across all competitions.
For Millwall, the loss is bitter but not without merit. Matching a top‑flight side for almost the entire game demonstrated their quality and hinted at a potential upset had the penalties gone their way. Their performances will be a talking point as they continue their league campaign.
Looking ahead, Palace will aim to maintain momentum in the cup, hoping to replicate their solid defensive displays while adding goals. The win also fuels the local rivalry, setting the stage for future encounters that could decide South London’s football hierarchy.
- Goal scorers: Richards (Palace), Millwall scorer (unnamed in reports)
- Penalty shootout tally: Palace 4, Millwall 2
- Key hero: Walter Benítez – two penalty saves
- Current unbeaten streak for Palace: 16 matches
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