The Carabao Cup second round introduces Premier League clubs, and matches level after 90 minutes will go straight to a penalty shootout, with no extra time played. This format applies to all ties until the semi-final second legs and the final at Wembley Stadium.
No extra time in early rounds
In the second round, if a match ends in a draw after regular time, the referee blows the final whistle and the teams proceed directly to a penalty shootout to decide the winner. The rule was introduced to help reduce fixture congestion for clubs early in the demanding English football season.
Penalty shootout format
Shootouts in the competition follow the traditional alternating sequence rather than the ABBA system trialled in previous years. Each team takes turns from the penalty spot, starting with a standard best-of-five format. If teams remain tied after five penalties each, the shootout moves to sudden death.
Extra time in later rounds
Extra time is not part of any Carabao Cup tie until the semi-final second legs and the final at Wembley. In those matches, if the score is tied after regular time, the teams play two 15-minute halves of additional time. If still level after 120 minutes, the match goes to a decisive penalty shootout.
Premier League clubs enter
The second round marks the first entry of Premier League clubs into the tournament. It includes only top-flight sides not participating in UEFA competitions this season. The remaining nine teams receive a bye and enter in the third round.
Second round ties are scheduled for the week commencing August 24, spread across three evenings from Tuesday, August 25, to Thursday, August 27. Notable fixtures include an all-Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Leeds on Tuesday at 8pm, Tottenham Hotspur hosting Charlton Athletic at 7.45pm on Wednesday, and Chelsea facing Luton Town at 7.30pm on Thursday.
