Brentford Advance Past Aston Villa via Dramatic Penalties

Brentford secured their progression to the Carabao Cup fourth round with a thrilling 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Aston Villa following a tense 1-1 draw at the Gtech Community Stadium on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.

A thrilling climax was reached after a stalemate lasting 90 minutes. Brentford, managed by Keith Andrews, had to navigate a testing night, including an own goal and a conceding mistake from substitute goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson. The hosts had struggled to break down a resilient Villa side, who ended a significant run without a competitive goal by taking the lead just before halftime.

The decisive goal came late in the second half through Aaron Hickey, who netted a spectacular volley from Pau Torres' header. However, the path to the next round was paved by a courageous performance from Valdimarsson. Despite gifting Aston Villa the opening goal – his error allowing Harvey Elliott to score their first of the season – Valdimarsson emerged as the hero, saving crucial spot kicks from John McGinn and Matty Cash during the shootout.

Mikkel Damsgaard converted Brentford's fifth penalty to confirm the victory. The Bees, featuring debuts for nineteen-year-old Benjy Arthur and Manchester United arrival Jadon Sancho, had not won the Carabao Cup since 2021 but reached the quarter-finals for the fourth time in the last six seasons.

Head coach Keith Andrews expressed his delight, praising his players' resilience despite errors and highlighting Hakon Valdimarsson's match-saving heroics. The draw for the fourth round will take place on September 26, with subsequent third-round ties scheduled for the week of October 27.

Key Moments



  • Before Half-Time: Aston Villa capitalise on a defensive error from Valdimarsson, with Harvey Elliott scoring.

  • Second Half: Aaron Hickey levels the score with a stunning volley.

  • Penalty Shootout: Valdimarsson denies McGinn and Cash, before Damsgaard confidently converts Brentford's fifth spot kick.

Match Summary


After a goalless first half, the breakthrough arrived in the 43rd minute when a defensive lapse allowed Harvey Elliott to slot home from close range. Brentford responded positively in the second half, with Aaron Hickey finding the top corner with a wonderful volley shortly after the interval.

Despite the goal, Brentford's defence remained somewhat permeable, leading to Valdimarsson's costly mistake. The goalkeeper also saved an early penalty attempt during the shootout before making his crucial saves.

Brentford's attacking options were tested throughout, with players like Sepp van den Berg and Reiss Nelson also going close. The match ended 1-1 after regular time, necessitating the shootout.

Team News


Brentford coach Keith Andrews made several changes and gave debuts to Benjy Arthur and Jadon Sancho. Aston Villa saw debuts for Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho.

Penalty Sequence



  1. McGinn (Aston Villa) - Saved by Valdimarsson

  2. Carvalho (Brentford) - Scored

  3. Watkins (Aston Villa) - Scored

  4. Nelson (Brentford) - Scored

  5. Buendia (Aston Villa) - Scored

  6. Yarmoliuk (Brentford) - Scored

  7. Cash (Aston Villa) - Saved by Valdimarsson

  8. Damsgaard (Brentford) - Scored

Tags:

#Brentford #Penalty Shootout #Carabao Cup #Aston Villa #Hakon Valdimarsson