Middlesbrough kicked off their Carabao Cup campaign with a 1-0 victory over Wrexham, a win that was sealed by the debut goal of new signing Luan Lankshear. The 21‑year‑old, who arrived from Tottenham Hotspur for a reported £10 million in the summer transfer window, waited just 61 minutes before finding the back of the net with a crisp, first‑time volley that left the opposition goalkeeper stranded.
The match began brightly for Boro, who almost opened the scoring in the seventh minute. A cross from Sebastian Berhalter was nudged toward goal by Adilson Malanda, but Danny Ward produced a reflex save from point‑blank range, denying the early lead. Wrexham responded in kind, with Danny Imray squandering a promising opportunity after Callum Doyle’s delivery fell at his feet, and later Sam Smith blasting a low shot that forced Sol Brynn to dive for a save just before the half‑time whistle. The second half saw Lankshear come close to scoring when a curling effort rattled over the bar.
However, his persistence paid off shortly after. Leo Castledine rose to meet a Jeremy Sarmiento cross, steering the ball into Lankshear’s path. The striker turned smoothly and struck a superb first‑time volley that curled into the far corner, giving Middlesbrough a deserved lead. Wolves, meanwhile, enjoyed a comfortable passage to the next round, dispatching League Two side Port Vale 3-0.
All three goals arrived in the first half, with Adam Armstrong, Andre and Fer Lopez each finding the net. The win also marked Cesar Peixoto’s inaugural match as Wolves manager, a debut that could not have been sweeter. Port Vale created a few chances of their own, notably when Jordan Lawrence‑Gabriel headed a dangerous ball away from the Wolves goal and Mo Faal saw his penalty saved by Dan Bentley’s outstretched legs, but the visitors were unable to threaten the scoreboard further.
Wolves supporters, numbering 21,360 at Molineux, were particularly vocal in celebrating the return of club legend Raúl Jiménez. The Mexican striker, who rejoined the team after three seasons at Fulham, entered the game as a late substitute. He unleashed a powerful shot that tested the Port Vale keeper, but the chance went unanswered. Despite the missed opportunity, Wolves secured their place in the second round of the competition.
Stevenage also booked a spot in the next stage after a dramatic 2-1 win over Wycombe Wanderers. The decisive goal came in stoppage time of the second half when new signing Josh Magennis rose to meet a corner from Phoenix Patterson and headed home. Magennis, who joined from Exeter this summer, proved his worth by delivering the match‑winning header five minutes into added time. The game had been a roller‑coaster for both sides.
Wycombe took an early lead in the 27th minute when midfielder Dan Kemp capitalised on a momentary lapse in the home defence, driving forward and slotting a low finish past the Stevenage keeper. The visitors answered back before the break, with Ewan Henderson equalising in the 38th minute after a precise cross from Silko Thomas found him just outside the six‑yard box. Henderson’s right‑footed strike restored parity and set the tone for a tightly contested second half. Stevenage continued to press, and Kemp once again threatened the net, this time rattling the bar from the edge of the area just before the interval.
After the break, Wycombe tried to assert control but struggled to break down a disciplined Stevenage defence. A late substitution saw Emre Tezgel replace Cauley Woodrow, but his attempt to meet Thomas’s cross was thwarted by Boro captain Carl Piergianni, who cleared the danger. In the dying moments, Magennis’s header proved decisive, sending the Stevenage fans into celebration and ensuring their progression in the cup.
The Carabao Cup’s first round this season is being broadcast live on Sky Sports, offering fans the chance to watch every fixture from the Championship, League One and League Two. The competition continues to deliver excitement, with clubs such as West Ham, Burnley and Leicester also featuring in upcoming ties. Viewers are encouraged to tune in via the Sky Sports app or a Chrome browser for the best video experience, and they can even enter the Super 6 competition for a chance to win a share of £250,000, free of charge.
Overall, the opening round has set a thrilling tone for the 2026/27 edition of the tournament, showcasing emerging talents like Lankshear, seasoned veterans like Jiménez, and the drama of last‑minute heroics that make cup football so compelling.