EFL: Brentford Advances to Quarter-Finals After Penalty Drama

Flekken's Heroics Seal Brentford's Carabao Cup Progress

“Our mentality was great.”

Brentford defeats Sheffield Wednesday 4-3 in penalties after 1-1 draw, advancing to Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

 

Brentford secured a hard-fought 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Sheffield Wednesday, advancing to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after a 1-1 draw.

Dominant First Half

The Premier League side dominated the opening half, with Kevin Schade scoring in fortunate circumstances. Schade's initial effort was saved by Pierce Charles, but the ball rebounded off Gabriel Otegbayo, allowing him to tap into an empty goal.

Brentford continued to press, with Charles denying Keane Lewis-Potter and Bryan Mbeumo.

Wednesday's Resurgence

A much-changed Wednesday team equalized through Djeidi Gassama's superb 25-yard strike shortly after halftime. Ike Ugbo and Liam Palmer tested Flekken, and Mbeumo stung Charles' palms.

Penalty Drama

Both sides pushed for a winner, introducing regular starters from the bench, but neither could avoid a penalty shootout. Mark Flekken saved Liam Palmer's penalty to clinch victory for Brentford.

Post-Match Reaction

Flekken reflected on his mistake leading to Wednesday's equalizer: “I took the wrong option... It took away our control.” He also praised his experience in recovering from errors.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank emphasized his side's ambition: “We want to go all the way... Our mentality was great.”

Quarter-Final Draw

Brentford will learn their quarter-final opponents in Wednesday's draw, scheduled after Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City's last-16 meeting. Quarter-final matches are set for the week commencing December 16.