Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno emerged as the hero, making two crucial saves in a dramatic penalty shootout to eliminate Manchester United from the FA Cup.

With both sides converting their first three spot-kicks, Leno denied Victor Lindelof before Fulham captain Antonee Robinson maintained his side’s flawless record. The German then produced another brilliant save to stop Joshua Zirkzee’s effort, securing Fulham’s place in the quarter-finals.

Fulham had taken the lead in first-half stoppage time when Calvin Bassey capitalized on a flicked corner from Rodrigo Muniz, heading in from close range. However, United responded through Bruno Fernandes, who drilled a precise low shot from the edge of the box after receiving a pass from Diogo Dalot.

Both teams had opportunities to avoid penalties. Emile Smith Rowe forced a superb stop from Andre Onana before United’s equalizer, and the Cameroonian goalkeeper denied him again in extra time. Teenage substitute Chido Obi also came close for United, but Leno pulled off a stunning reflex save to keep Fulham in contention.

Leno’s performance, which included key saves against Alejandro Garnacho, culminated in his penalty shootout heroics as Fulham continued their dream of returning to the FA Cup final for the first time since 1975.

Manager Marco Silva praised his team’s resilience: "From day one, we've taken this competition seriously. We are more mature now, but our identity remains the same. Everyone can see Fulham is a strong Premier League side."

With only Manchester City left from England’s traditional powerhouses, Fulham will believe they can defy history and push for FA Cup glory, a feat last achieved by an underdog when Portsmouth triumphed over Cardiff in 2008.

Source: BBC

BDST: 1020 HRS, MAR 03, 2025
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