Marco Silva enjoys the Crystal Palace test in the FA Cup Quarte finals after Fulham passed Manchester United on Sunday past the penalties.
The opening goal of Calvin Bassey in the first half of the stop was canceled by the 71st -minute finish of Bruno Fernandes, where the two teams cannot be separated in extra time.
Bernd Leno turned out to be the hero of Fulham and saved Spot kicks from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee to send the cottagers.
Fulham has indeed qualified for the last eight of the FA Cup in two of the last three seasons, as often as they succeeded between 2004-05 and 2021-22 (two).
Although the visitors have managed an expected goals (XG) in total only 0.85 to the 1.47 of United, Silva believed that his players were worth their place in the quarterfinals.
“In some times we showed very good quality, our identity was there. We have sorted a number of things and did much better. We have built our attacking moments very well,” Silva said.
“The way the team played in the second half and all the extra time makes me really proud because we came here and were the dominant team.
“We were brave, we did it on our way. It was a big fight. I love the calmness of our own players.
“I think yes. I know they had opportunities, but I think we were the best team on the field. Our team was on the ball and dominated the ball. We deserve to be in the next phase.”
2-Fulham qualified for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in two of the last three seasons (2022-23 and 2024-25), as often as they succeeded between 2004-05 and 2021-22 (2). Upick. pic.twitter.com/tehqtjeztd
– Optajoe (@Optajoe) 2 March 2025
The reward of Fulham for their Old Trafford Triumph was a collision against London Rivals Crystal Palace, which on Saturday past the Side Millwall championship 3-1.
The two teams have played against each other twice this season, with both parties that seal the respective 2-0 victories and are separated by six points in the Premier League table.
“It will be a great battle between two good sides. They are in great shape away from home. London Derby,” Silva added.
Goalcorer Bassey, who has now split two of his last four games for Fulham, was fast to shower Leno for his heroic deeds in the shoot-out.
Leno also made a series of impressive rescues during the competition, eight in total, and Bassey believes that the former Arsenal goalkeeper went under the radar this season.
“He has been great. He has kept us in games so often. He deserves recognition,” Bassey said. “We buzz and we take every game as it comes.
“That is the best way to take every game. Don't go too much through the losses and don't let the victories come to your head.”
Comments