Salford City and Rotherham United played out a goalless draw in the first round of the English Football League Cup on Wednesday, August 13th, 2025. The match at the Peninsula Stadium ended 0-0 after 90 minutes, sending the tie directly to a penalty shootout to decide who would advance to the next round. The game was a cagey affair with both teams prioritizing defensive solidity over attacking flair, leading to few clear-cut chances. Rotherham, as the League One side, may have been slightly disappointed not to impose themselves more on their League Two hosts. The penalty shootout that followed provided the decisive drama, with Salford City ultimately holding their nerve to win the spot-kick contest and progress in the competition, a result that will be seen as a minor cup upset.