Bernd Leno’s Heroic Sends Cottagers Through to Quarter-Finals After Thrilling Clash at Old Trafford
In a nail-biting FA Cup encounter, Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno emerged as the hero, saving two crucial penalties to help his team knock out defending champions Manchester United in a dramatic shoot-out at Old Trafford. The Cottagers triumphed 4-3 on spot kicks after a hard-fought 1-1 draw over 90 minutes and extra time, booking their place in the quarter-finals.
The match got off to a slow start, with both sides struggling to break through in a tense first half. However, Fulham struck just before the break when Calvin Bassey rose highest at the far post to head home from a clever flick-on following a right-wing corner, sending the traveling fans into raptures.
Manchester United, determined to keep their FA Cup dreams alive, pushed hard for an equalizer in the second half. Their persistence paid off when captain Bruno Fernandes, a consistent threat in the competition, netted his eighth FA Cup goal in his last 12 appearances to level the score and force extra time.
The hosts threw everything at Fulham in the additional 30 minutes, including introducing 17-year-old forward Chido Obi, who had a couple of promising chances to win the game. But Fulham’s defense held firm, setting the stage for a nerve-wracking penalty shoot-out.
Leno, Fulham’s German shot-stopper, proved to be the difference-maker, saving penalties from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee to seal a memorable 4-3 shoot-out victory. The result sent the Cottagers into the quarter-finals, where they will face Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage in late March.
For Manchester United, the defeat marks a disappointing end to their FA Cup campaign. They must now regroup quickly as they turn their attention to the UEFA Europa League, where they face Real Sociedad in the last 16 on Thursday, followed by a crucial Premier League clash against Arsenal on Sunday.
Fulham, meanwhile, will head to Brighton this weekend in high spirits, knowing they are just one step away from a potential Wembley appearance in the FA Cup.
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