Walter Benítez’s penalty shootout heroics secured Crystal Palace’s Carabao Cup victory over Millwall after a 1-1 draw. Despite a late equalizer from Ryan Leonard, Benítez saved two penalties to send Palace into the next round, overshadowing Romain Esse’s disappointing performance.
Crystal Palace supporters seeking positive signs might find solace in defeating Millwall. Last season, Oliver Glasner’s team overcame their south London rivals en route to winning the FA Cup. This time, it took a penalty shootout heroics from goalkeeper Walter Benítez to edge past Alex Neil’s Championship side after a late equalizer from Ryan Leonard nullified Chris Richards’s opener.
Despite extending their unbeaten streak to 16 matches across all competitions, Romain Esse endured another forgettable night, getting subbed off at halftime following a visible display of discontent from his manager.
Glasner handed debuts to Benítez and young defender Jaydee Canvot, while Esse was given a chance against his former club, whom he joined from in January for £12m. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s previous encounter at Selhurst Park lasted only eight minutes during Palace’s 3-1 victory in March, after being kicked in the head by Millwall’s on-loan goalkeeper Liam Roberts – a challenge Palace chairman Steve Parish described as the most reckless he had ever witnessed. Amidst a strong police presence around the stadium before kickoff, the travelling supporters wasted no time in making their presence known, chanting, “Twenty-five stitches, it should have been more.”
Neil acknowledged his team’s subpar first-half performance in their recent south London derby against Charlton before securing a draw. An injury to goalkeeper Max Crocombe during warm-ups prompted him to call upon Steven Benda, and the Fulham loanee proved capable on his debut, making a series of saves before halftime. The most notable save denied Yéremy Pino within the opening minute, with the Spaniard also squandering two more chances.
However, Millwall should have taken the lead when Palace cheaply conceded possession in their own half. Somehow, Camiel Neghli failed to hit the target. The dynamic Mihailo Ivanovic did test Benítez with a header that was skillfully saved. Glasner’s growing frustration peaked when he removed his jacket and threw it into the dugout following another wasted attacking opportunity by Esse.
Consequently, the substitution of England Under-21 international, Romain Esse, with new signing Christantus Uche in the second half came as no surprise. Palace immediately looked more threatening with the Nigeria forward on the field, although Millwall’s defense remained resolute. Their confidence grew as Palace faced increasing pressure, with substitute Josh Coburn squandering a close-range volley that seemed easier to score.
Mateta nearly surprised Benda, who had rushed out of his goal, but his shot was cleared off the line. From the subsequent corner, Richards was on hand to score from close range after Millwall failed to clear the ball. This seemed to have secured the win, but Leonard had other plans, heading in from a corner. Mateta then missed an open goal in stoppage time, losing his balance at the crucial moment.
Ultimately, it was Benítez who stole the spotlight, saving Millwall captain Tristan Crama’s opening penalty and then denying Aidomo Emakhu, securing Palace’s place in the next round.