Huddersfield Stun Sunderland on Penalties in EFL Cup Clash

Huddersfield Stun Sunderland on Penalties in EFL Cup Clash

Huddersfield Town pulled off a shock upset in the Carabao Cup as they knocked out Premier League side Sunderland on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.

League One’s Huddersfield held their nerve in the shootout, with goalkeeper Lee Nicholls saving Milan Aleksic’s crucial penalty to secure a place in the third round – their first since 2017.

Castledine Volley, Guiu Equaliser, Nicholls Heroics

The visitors went ahead when Leo Castledine struck a thunderous first-time volley from the edge of the box after Sunderland failed to clear a corner. Huddersfield’s high-tempo start caught the hosts flat-footed, with the Black Cats failing to register a shot on target in the opening half.

Chelsea loanee Marc Guiu had Sunderland’s best chance of the second period after Chris Rigg intercepted a loose ball, but Nicholls was equal to the 19-year-old striker’s low effort. Guiu eventually made amends, heading home Aleksic’s cross to level in the final minutes of regulation.

Following a long delay due to a medical emergency in the crowd, the game was sent to penalties. Both sides converted their first five spot-kicks, but Nicholls guessed correctly and tipped Aleksic’s attempt around the post to win it for Huddersfield — prompting wild celebrations.

Tactical Rotations and Missed Opportunity for Sunderland

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris made wholesale changes from the side that lost 2-0 to Burnley in the league. Despite the fresh legs, the hosts only came alive late in the second half, having spent much of the match on the back foot.

Huddersfield, meanwhile, rotated heavily but looked far more coherent for much of the match. Defender Murray Wallace was the only player to retain his place from their 1-0 weekend win over Stevenage.

David Kasumu’s ambitious 30-yard strike summed up the Terriers’ first-half confidence. While Sunderland eventually dominated possession, they lacked a clinical edge and paid the price in the shootout.

What’s Next?

Sunderland: The Black Cats return to Premier League action this Saturday when they host Brentford. After the international break, they face a trip to Crystal Palace.

Huddersfield: The Terriers continue their League One campaign with a Yorkshire derby against Barnsley this weekend, followed by a home fixture against Peterborough United.

Huddersfield will learn their next Carabao Cup opponent when the third-round draw takes place following Grimsby Town’s clash with Manchester United on Wednesday.