Archie Walters
The 2024–25 FA Cup fifth round, held over the weekend of February 28 to March 2, 2025, showcased thrilling encounters, unexpected upsets, and memorable performances, furthering the competition’s rich tradition of drama and excitement.
Manchester United’s Stumble Against Fulham
At Old Trafford, defending champions Manchester United faced Fulham in a gripping match that concluded 1-1 after extra time. Fulham’s Calvin Bassey opened the scoring, with Bruno Fernandes equalizing for United. The ensuing penalty shootout saw Fulham triumph 4-3, with goalkeeper Bernd Leno playing a pivotal role by saving penalties from Victor Lindelöf and Joshua Zirkzee. This victory marked Fulham’s first progression to the FA Cup quarterfinals since 1975.
Crystal Palace’s Convincing Win Over Millwall
In the South London derby, Crystal Palace secured a 3-1 victory against Millwall. The match was overshadowed by a serious incident where Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts’ high challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta resulted in a head injury requiring 25 stitches for the Palace striker. Roberts received a red card, and the FA is considering an extended ban beyond his current three-match suspension.
Nottingham Forest’s Dramatic Penalty Triumph
Nottingham Forest advanced to the quarterfinals after a tense penalty shootout against Ipswich Town. The match, held at the City Ground, ended 1-1 after Ryan Yates’ equalizer cancelled out George Hirst’s opener for Ipswich. The shootout was marked by Ipswich’s Jack Taylor missing the decisive penalty, propelling Forest forward. This progression is significant for Forest, marking only their second FA Cup quarter-final appearance in 29 years.
Bournemouth’s Penalty Victory Over Wolves
In an all-Premier League clash, Bournemouth edged out Wolverhampton Wanderers in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. The match saw both teams exchange goals, leading to a tense shootout where Bournemouth emerged victorious, securing their spot in the quarterfinals.
Manchester City’s Controlled Win Against Plymouth
At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City dispatched Plymouth Argyle 3-1. Plymouth’s early goal from a corner kick tested City’s resolve, but goals from academy graduate O’Reilly and later contributions from O’Reilly and Kevin De Bruyne ensured City’s progression. Manager Pep Guardiola praised his team’s resilience, especially after their previous scare against Liverpool.
Preston’s Impressive Victory Over Burnley
Preston North End delivered a standout performance, defeating Burnley 3-0. The Championship side dominated proceedings, with goals that highlighted their tactical prowess and clinical finishing. This win not only stunned Burnley but also underscored Preston’s potential in the competition.
*These results follow Brighton and Hove Albion’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St James Park and Aston Villa’s 2-0 win over Cardiff City
