Fulham survive after penalty shoot-out

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Burton Albion 2 Fulham 2 (after extra time – Fulham won 5-4 on penalties)

Fulham survived a huge scare as John Arne Riise’s penalty shoot-out winner secured victory in a captivating Capital One Cup tie.

The Whites completely dominated the first 75 minutes against League Two side Burton Albion and Adel Taarabt’s sumptuous first-half strike looked like sending them through.

But a rampaging finale saw the previously outclassed Brewers level through Jack Dyer’s 85th-minute strike and force extra time.

Michael Symes put Burton ahead but substitute Hugo Rodallega levelled for Fulham.

Adel Taarabt
Taarabt put Fulham into the lead.

And Riise’s emphatic spot-kick sent his team into the third round.

The result and drama seemed highly unlikely as Fulham dominated possession and territory for most of normal time.

Giorgos Karagounis and the excellent Scott Parker bossed the midfield and allowed Taarabt, Bryan Ruiz and Ashkan Dejagah plenty of freedom to play.

Taarabt, who was taken off at the break and seemed to be suggesting he was injured, always looked the most likely to break the deadlock on a gloomy night.

And so it proved when he skipped past Phil Edwards on the Burton left and found the far corner with a superb low finish.

The towering figure of Rene Howe and a rasping Dyer shot provided rare moments of hope for the hosts.

But Fulham were much the better side until a nervy final 15 minutes and Ruiz, Darren Bent and substitute Alex Kacaniklic all had chances to increase the lead.

Dyer fired home a leveller and Symes headed Burton ahead before Rodallega levelled.

Fulham then showed great composure in the shoot-out to ensure they avoided defeat.

David Stockdale came up with an all-important save, keeping out Dyer’s kick.

And Bent, Ruiz, Sascha Riether and Rodallega all scored with their attempts before Riise had the final word.

Fulham (4-2-3-1): Stockdale; Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise; Parker, Karagounis (Rodallega 103); Dejagah (Kasami 84), Ruiz, Taarabt (Kacaniklic 46); Bent.
Subs not used: Sidwell, Briggs, Boateng, Etheridge.

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