Brentford squeeze past Sheffield Wednesday on penalties to make EFL Cup quarter-finals

Goalkeeper Mark Flekken was the hero as Brentford edged into the Carabao Cup quarter finals with a penalty shootout victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Gtech Community Stadium.

The first nine spot-kicks were despatched with aplomb leaving The Bees’ shot-stopper to save Liam Palmer’s effort and secure a 5-4 success.

Thomas Frank’s men had got off to a flyer when Kevin Schade tapped in his first goal in 16 outings at the second attempt, after visiting goalkeeper Pierce Charles had kept out his initial effort on 11 minutes.

Mathias Jensen and Bryan Mbeumo went close to doubling the Premier League side’s lead, but they could not find the finish to reflect their dominance on the scoresheet.

Sheffield Wednesday carried little threat but stunned the hosts just shy of the hour when Djeidi Gassama scorched a long-range strike beyond Flekken.

The visitors held firm from there to earn a chance of the upset in the shootout, but came up just short at the death.

Next up, Brentford visit Fulham in the Premier League on Monday night. Sheffield Wednesday host Watford in the Championship on Saturday.

Talking Point – Brentford survive scare to keep Wembley hopes alive

This match may have come just a few days on from the thrilling Premier League win over Ipswich Town, but Thomas Frank was true to his word by naming a strong line-up.

Recovery time may be short, but with Brentford now established as a solid top-flight outfit, eyeing a deep run in a domestic cup is an obvious objective.

This could and perhaps should have been a routine victory over a Wednesday side that clearly had one eye on a hectic Championship schedule, but a second-half twist left their fate down to the lottery of spot kicks, where Flekken came up trumps to keep Bees fans dreaming of an unlikely trip to Wembley.

The Londoners will now have their fingers crossed for a favourable outcome when the last eight is drawn after the rest of the midweek EFL action on Wednesday night.

Player of the match

Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford). The forward was a cut above on the right flank, providing moments of quality throughout. The 25-year-old has taken on the mantle of the departed Ivan Toney as their attacking talisman and led the way in the shoot-out with an ice-cool penalty. It’s easy to see why the likes of Arsenal have been linked with him.

Player ratings

BRENTFORD: Flekken 8, van den Berg 7, Collins 7, Mee 7, Meghoma 7, Janelt 7, Jensen 7, Carvalho 7, Lewis-Potter 7, Schade 7, Mbeumo 8*. Subs: Damsgaard 6, Wissa 7, Roerslev 6.

SHEFF WEDS: P. Charles 8, M. Lowe 6, Iorfa 6, Otegbayo 7, Johnson 6, Fusire 6, Paterson 6, Ingelsson 6, Musaba 7, Gassama 7, Ugbo 7. Subs: Bernard 6, Palmer 6, Smith 7, Windass 7, Lowe 7.

Match Highlights

11’ – GOAL! – Brentford 1-0 Sheff Weds: (Schade). The home team break the deadlock as Schade is set clear by Lewis-Potter. The forward sees his low shot saved by Pierce Charles, but the rebound hits a defender and falls kindly for Schade to tuck into an empty net.

43’ – BRENTFORD CHANCE! Jensen peels out to the penalty spot to meet Mbeumo’s clever right-wing corner on the volley, but his goal-bound shot hits Sepp van den Berg and flies just wide.

57’ – GOAL! – Brentford 1-1 Sheff Weds: (Gassama). Take a bow, Djeidi Gassama! The forward works back to nick Flekken’s throw off the toe of Carvalho and surge forward before sizzling a 30-yard effort into the bottom corner.

PENALTY SAVED IN THE SHOOT-OUT – Brentford 5-4 Sheff Weds. After the first nine spot kicks are converted in style, Flekken dives to his right and tips away Liam Palmer’s attempt. It’s all over – Brentford progress to the last eight!