Special for codigopostalrd.net fans
The EFL Carabao Cup fourth-round match between Wycombe Wanderers (League One) and Fulham (Premier League) at Adams Park on October 28, 2025, ended 1-1 after extra time, with Fulham winning 5-4 in a penalty shootout. The crowd was 9,709 and the referee was Robert Madley. Wycombe surprised the visitors with an early lead, but Fulham’s pressure leveled the score, leading to a tense penalty shootout in which Fulham’s French goalkeeper, Benjamin Lecomte, emerged as the hero.
Key Events:
4′: Cauley Woodrow (former Fulham player) put Wycombe ahead with a powerful low shot from the edge of the box after a run from Jamie Mullins, beating Lecomte at the near post.
48′: Josh King equalized for Fulham with a smart finish shortly after the break, capitalizing on a moment of quality amid Wycombe’s brief threat to extend their lead. The game remained tight throughout extra time, with few clear-cut chances.
Penalties: Fulham converted their first four (including Alex Iwobi’s winner and Issa Diop’s sudden-death penalty), while Lecomte saved three Wycombe shots (Ewan Henderson, Fred Onyedinma, and Donnell McNeilly). Wycombe’s Will Norris saved one from Jonah Kusi-Asare, but it wasn’t enough.
Fulham dominated possession but struggled to penetrate Wycombe’s compact, low block, making only one notable save in the first half from Norris (a Raúl Jiménez header). Wycombe’s defense frustrated the Cottagers, who were on a four-match Premier League losing streak.
This result had an immediate impact on both clubs’ seasons and morale:
For Fulham, the win broke a dismal run of four consecutive league defeats, providing a vital morale boost for manager Marco Silva amid mounting pressure. It keeps their slim hopes of winning their first major trophy in 146 years alive, with a quarterfinal tie just around the corner (possibly against strong teams like Manchester City or Liverpool).
Among the standout performers were Lecomte (four penalty saves, including his clean sheet for the club) and Diop (the decisive penalty), while King’s goal marked his first for Fulham. However, the performance exposed persistent problems: a lack of attacking creativity (a flat final third) and a vulnerable defense, which nearly cost them dearly against lower-division opponents.
Reactions on social media focused on relief—”Merci Benjamin, Merci Issa”—but also frustration at having “scrabbled across the finish line” against a team worth a fraction of their squad.
One fan joked: “Fulham losing to a League One side? Let’s get this season over with before Christmas!”, underlining the embarrassment of the near-upset.
For Wycombe, the Chairboys’ performance was a statement of intent in League One, where they are unbeaten in five matches across all competitions.
Taking a Premier League team to penalties at home boosts their reputation, which could attract scouts or boost ticket sales. Woodrow’s goal against his former club added a poetic touch, and players like Sam Bell (speed down the wing) and Norris (penalty save) shone.
This ended his own Cup run, but he demonstrated tactical discipline under his manager, frustrating Fulham stars like Iwobi and Jiménez. Fans praised the “solid performance,” with one commenting, “We made a Premier League team look pretty mediocre in attack.”
The match exemplified the magic of the Carabao Cup: upsets are rare, but exciting. Wycombe’s resilience could inspire other lower-division sides, while Fulham’s poor run could prompt squad adjustments ahead of their next league game.
Heading to Fulham: Progress to the quarterfinals (draw likely in November 2025) offers opportunities for rotation amid injuries (e.g., Emile Smith Rowe and Antonee Robinson are out).
Success here could allay relegation fears in the Premier League (they are in a precarious mid-table position). However, their performance could amplify criticism of Silva’s tactics: fans noted “no attacking intent” and a “quiet” bench. Rotation is expected in the quarterfinals to conserve energy and stay in the league.
The absence of further cup distractions allows them to focus on promotion to League One (they are in contention for the playoffs). Performance could generate financial benefits through box office and television receipts, as well as intangible confidence gains. Minor drawback: Fatigue from extra time, but their depth held up well.
King’s goal boosts his integration after his summer move; Lecomte’s heroic performance consolidates his position as number one. For Wycombe, Woodrow’s goal (his third this season) reinforces his value
