Newcastle United left The Den with a place in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup, but they were made to work far harder than expected by a determined Millwall side.
Joe Willock eventually proved to be the difference, turning home a late winner in the 81st minute to spare Newcastle the drama of a penalty shootout.
Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle had clearly taken the tie seriously, naming a strong starting XI despite facing a Millwall team battling a number of injuries. The Premier League side, who lifted the Carabao Cup in 2025, were expected to control the contest, but they struggled to turn their possession into meaningful chances.
For long periods, Millwall defended with discipline and frustrated their visitors. Newcastle managed just one shot on target during the opening hour, with Willock coming closest when his powerful strike was pushed away at the near post by goalkeeper Filip Marschall.
The visitors also felt they should have been awarded a penalty just before half-time. Caleb Taylor appeared to pull Fabian Schar’s shirt inside the box, but the referee waved away Newcastle’s appeals.
Millwall grew in confidence as the game went on and came agonisingly close to taking the lead after substitute Tairyk Arconte exploited some sloppy defending from Tino Livramento. Arconte raced through on goal before seeing his low effort crash back off the post.
That miss proved costly.
With the prospect of extra time and penalties beginning to look increasingly likely, Newcastle finally found their breakthrough in the 81st minute. Lewis Hall delivered a dangerous drilled cross into the area, and Willock reacted quickly to turn the ball into the net.
It was a moment of relief for Newcastle after an otherwise frustrating evening in front of goal.
Millwall continued to battle until the final whistle, but Newcastle held on to secure their passage into the fourth round.
The performance may not have been convincing, but the result extended Jaissle’s unbeaten start and ensured Newcastle remain in the hunt for another Carabao Cup run.
For Millwall, it was a brave display that ultimately ended in heartbreak. For Newcastle, Willock’s late intervention was enough to keep their cup campaign alive.
