The FA Cup 5th round delivered everything fans love about knockout football—thrilling goals, last-minute drama, and even a penalty shootout heartbreak. Premier League giants Manchester City and Aston Villa marched on, while lower-league hopefuls Preston North End pulled off a stunning win.
Manchester City Survive Plymouth Scare to Advance
Manchester City booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 3-1 comeback win over Plymouth Argyle. But it wasn’t as straightforward as many expected.
The League One side stunned Pep Guardiola’s men by taking an early lead from a well-worked set piece, forcing City to dig deep. Teenager Nico O’Reilly equalized just before halftime, giving City breathing room. The second half saw O’Reilly bag his second goal, before Kevin De Bruyne sealed the victory late on.
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Speaking after the match, Guardiola admitted his side was caught off guard:
“Plymouth played with incredible spirit. This is what makes the FA Cup special. We had to fight for every moment.”
Preston Stun Burnley in Championship Showdown
In an all-Championship clash, Preston North End shocked Burnley 3-0, dominating from start to finish. Goals from Liam Millar and Emil Riis helped seal a famous victory, putting Preston into the last eight for the first time in years.
Burnley boss Vincent Kompany was left frustrated:
“We lacked sharpness, and in knockout football, you can’t afford that.”
Bournemouth Edge Wolves in Penalty Shootout Thriller
The most dramatic game of the round came at Vitality Stadium, where Bournemouth and Wolves played out a 1-1 draw, forcing extra time and then penalties.
Despite Wolves seeing Matheus Cunha sent off for a reckless head-butt, they managed to hold on. But in the penalty shootout, it was Bournemouth’s Luis Sinisterra who stepped up, scoring the winning penalty in a tense 5-4 shootout victory.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola was emotional after the game:
“This is what football is about—heart, resilience, and belief.”
Aston Villa See Off Cardiff, Palace Triumph Over Millwall
Aston Villa eased into the quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over Cardiff City. Despite fielding a strong side, Unai Emery’s team controlled the game, with Ollie Watkins and Douglas Luiz finding the net.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace defeated Millwall 3-1, but the game was overshadowed by a shocking moment when striker Jean-Philippe Mateta suffered a serious head injury after a clash with the Millwall goalkeeper. Fans held their breath as medics rushed to treat him.
Mateta later reassured supporters with a message:
“Thank you for your support—I’m recovering well. We fight on.”
Who Will Win the FA Cup?
With Manchester City, Preston North End, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, and Aston Villa through, the FA Cup is heating up. But who will lift the trophy?
City remain the favorites, but Aston Villa’s resurgence, Newcastle’s ambition, and Preston’s underdog story could shake things up.
FA Cup magic is alive and well—who will write the next chapter?
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