Ryan Leonard’s stoppage-time header forced penalties at Selhurst Park, but Crystal Palace triumphed 4–2 in the shootout to deny Millwall a famous upset.
Millwall came within a whisker of knocking their South London rivals out of the Carabao Cup, only to be undone in a penalty shootout at Selhurst Park. The Lions fought bravely and dramatically equalised in stoppage time through Ryan Leonard, but Crystal Palace ultimately prevailed 4–2 on spot-kicks after the tie finished 1–1 in standard time.
It was a spirited and defiant performance from Alex Neil’s side, who showed organisation and grit throughout a first half in which Crystal Palace enjoyed most of the ball but created little. The Lions kept their shape well, frustrating Oliver Glasner’s team and waiting for moments to break forward, though chances were scarce at both ends before the interval.
The home side eventually broke through in the 72nd minute, when a scrambled set-piece fell to Chris Richards, who drilled the ball home to give Crystal Palace the lead. At that point, it looked as though Millwall’s efforts might go unrewarded as the Premier League outfit settled into control of the game. But Neil’s players refused to lie down. With the match slipping away, Millwall pushed men forward and forced a late corner. In the 91st minute, Ryan Leonard rose magnificently to meet the delivery, planting his header past Walter Benítez and sending the travelling support wild.
That late moment of ecstasy took the tie to penalties, and Millwall briefly sensed an upset was on the cards. However, it was Crystal Palace’s new goalkeeper who stole the spotlight. Walter Benítez guessed right to deny Tristan Crama and Aidomo Emakhu from the spot, leaving Palace to celebrate a 4–2 win in the shootout and progress to the Fourth Round.
Despite the heartbreak, Millwall can hold their heads high. They matched their Premier League neighbours for long spells, defended with determination, and showed the resilience and spirit that has long been the hallmark of the club. Ryan Leonard’s late equaliser captured the passion of a side that refused to give up. Though the cup run ends here, the performance will give Alex Neil and his men plenty of encouragement heading back into the Championship campaign.
The Lions left Selhurst Park with nothing to show on paper, but with pride restored and a reminder to their rivals that Millwall never go quietly.
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