The third round of the 2026-2027 Football League Cup delivered an evening of drama, upsets, and convincing displays as Premier League outfits asserted their dominance while lower-league sides fought valiantly in pursuit of cup glory. From emphatic wins to edge-of-your-seat finishes, the night’s fixtures ensured plenty for supporters to discuss as the competition heads into its next stage.
Match Results
| Home Team | Score | Away Team |
|---|---|---|
 AFC Bournemouth | 4 - 0 |  Lincoln City |
 Crystal Palace | 3 - 0 |  Middlesbrough |
 Leyton Orient | 1 - 3 |  Bradford City |
 Sunderland | 1 - 0 |  Hull City |
 Millwall | 0 - 1 |  Newcastle United |
At the Vitality Stadium, AFC Bournemouth produced the statement performance of the round with a resounding 4-0 triumph over Lincoln City FC. Despite missing key players due to injuries and relying on squad rotation, Marco Rose’s side looked revitalized, breaking their early-season struggles to cruise past a previously in-form Lincoln side. The comprehensive nature of the win not only ended Lincoln City FC’s four-match unbeaten streak but also handed AFC Bournemouth a vital boost in confidence as they seek to ignite their campaign on multiple fronts.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace FC showcased their Premier League quality with a dominant 3-0 victory against Middlesbrough FC. The headline act was a clinical brace from Jorgen Strand Larsen, complemented by Daichi Kamada’s strike, as the Eagles efficiently capitalized on their chances. Despite a spirited effort from Middlesbrough FC, who created several promising opportunities in the opening hour, the finishing prowess of Crystal Palace FC ultimately proved the difference, sending the Championship side out of the competition.
The evening also featured hard-fought contests marked by narrow scorelines and late drama. Sunderland AFC edged past Hull City AFC 1-0 thanks to a decisive goal from Chemsdine Talbi in the 71st minute, while Newcastle United FC survived a physical battle at The Den to secure a 1-0 win over Millwall FC. Both Premier League sides demonstrated resilience and composure under pressure, with Newcastle United FC’s victory carrying historical weight as the two clubs met for the first time since 1993.
Among notable storylines, Bradford City AFC kept their cup dreams alive with a confident 3-1 away win at Leyton Orient FC, illustrating the continued threat posed by lower-league sides in the knockout format. While detailed standout performances were scarce from this fixture, the result marked a significant step for Bradford City AFC as they look to build momentum in the competition.
With the third round now concluded, the day underscored the depth and unpredictability of the Carabao Cup. As Premier League powerhouses advanced and underdogs made their mark, the stage is set for more drama and memorable moments in the upcoming rounds.