Marco Silva is relishing the test of Crystal Palace in the FA Cup quarter-finals after Fulham edged past Manchester United on penalties in the fifth round on Sunday.
Calvin Bassey’s opening goal in first half stoppage time was cancelled out by Bruno Fernandes’ 71st-minute finish, with the two teams unable to be separated in extra-time.
Bernd Leno proved to be Fulham’s hero, saving spot-kicks from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee to send the Cottagers through.
Indeed, Fulham have now qualified for the final eight of the FA Cup in two of the last three seasons, as many times as they managed between 2004-05 and 2021-22 (two).
Though the visitors managed an expected goals (xG) total of just 0.85 to United’s 1.47, Silva believed that his players were worthy of their place in the quarter-finals.
“In some moments, we showed very good quality, our identity was there. We sorted some things and did much better. We built our attacking moments really well,” Silva said.
“The way the team played in the second half and all of the extra time makes me really proud because we came here and were the dominant team.
“We were brave, we did it in our way. It was a big fight. I love the composure of our own players.
“I think yes. I know they had chances, but I think we were the best team on the pitch. Our team was on the ball, dominating the ball. We deserve to be in the next stage.”
2 – Fulham have qualified for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in two of the last three seasons (2022-23 and 2024-25), as many times as they managed between 2004-05 and 2021-22 beforehand (2). Uptick. pic.twitter.com/TEhqtjEzTD
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 2, 2025
Fulham’s reward for their Old Trafford triumph was a clash against London rivals Crystal Palace, who eased past Championship side Millwall 3-1 on Saturday.
The two teams have played against each other twice already this season, with both sides sealing respective 2-0 away wins, and are separated by six points in the Premier League table.
“It is going to be a great battle between two good sides. They are in great form away from home. London derby,” Silva added.
Goalscorer Bassey, who has now netted in two of his last four games for Fulham, was quick to shower praise on Leno for his heroics in the shoot-out.
Leno also made a string of impressive saves during the contest, eight in total, and Bassey believes that the former Arsenal goalkeeper has gone under the radar this season.
“He has been amazing. He has kept us in games so many times. He deserves the recognition,” Bassey said. “We’re buzzing, and we take each game as it comes.
“That’s the best way to take each game. Don’t get too down by the losses and don’t let the wins get to your head.”
