Middlesbrough's 3-0 Victory over Leeds in Carabao Cup

Leeds United's disappointing start to the season took a turn for the worse as they were decisively beaten 3-0 by Middlesbrough in the first round of the Carabao Cup. The match, held at Elland Road, saw Leeds, who narrowly missed promotion last season, struggle to find their footing against a determined Middlesbrough side. The defeat left fans disheartened, particularly after a lackluster 3-3 draw against Portsmouth in their league opener. Middlesbrough, managed by Michael Carrick, showcased their attacking prowess in the second half, scoring three goals within an 18-minute span. The scoring began just five minutes after the break when Dijksteel curled a low shot into the far corner, setting the tone for a dominant performance. Coburn later added a third goal, capping off a strong display from the visitors and securing their place in the next round of the competition. Leeds struggled to respond, with Georginio Rutter hitting the post and Joël Piroe missing a crucial rebound. The home side's inability to convert chances highlighted their ongoing issues in front of goal. Meanwhile, Middlesbrough's victory earned them a home tie against Stoke City in the second round. In other Carabao Cup news, Newcastle will face Nottingham Forest in an all-Premier League matchup, while Wayne Rooney's Plymouth will travel to Watford following their own 3-0 win over Cheltenham.