Silva relishing Palace ´battle´ in FA Cup quarters after Outdated Trafford heroics

Marco Silva is relishing the take a look at of Crystal Palace within the FA Cup quarter-finals after Fulham edged previous Manchester United on penalties within the fifth spherical on Sunday.

Calvin Bassey’s opening aim in first half stoppage time was cancelled out by Bruno Fernandes’ 71st-minute end, with the 2 groups 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 ship the Cottagers by way of.

Certainly, Fulham have now certified for the ultimate eight of the FA Cup in two of the final three seasons, as many occasions as they managed between 2004-05 and 2021-22 (two).

Although the guests managed an anticipated targets (xG) whole of simply 0.85 to United’s 1.47, Silva believed that his gamers have been worthy of their place within the quarter-finals.

“In some moments, we confirmed superb high quality, our id was there. We sorted some issues and did significantly better. We constructed our attacking moments rather well,” Silva mentioned.

“The best way the group performed within the second half and the entire additional time makes me actually proud as a result of we got here right here and have been the dominant group.

“We have been courageous, we did it in our manner. It was a giant battle. I like the composure of our personal gamers.

“I feel sure. I do know that they had probabilities, however I feel we have been one of the best group on the pitch. Our group was on the ball, dominating the ball. We need to be within the subsequent stage.”

2 – Fulham have certified for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in two of the final three seasons (2022-23 and 2024-25), as many occasions 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Fulham’s reward for his or her Outdated Trafford triumph was a conflict in opposition to London rivals Crystal Palace, who eased previous Championship aspect Millwall 3-1 on Saturday.

The 2 groups have performed in opposition to one another twice already this season, with either side sealing respective 2-0 away wins, and are separated by six factors within the Premier League desk.

“It’ll be an excellent battle between two good sides. They’re in nice type away from house. London derby,” Silva added.

Goalscorer Bassey, who has now netted in two of his final 4 video games for Fulham, was fast to bathe reward on Leno for his heroics within the shoot-out.

Leno additionally made a string of spectacular saves through the contest, eight in whole, and Bassey believes that the previous Arsenal goalkeeper has gone below the radar this season.

“He has been wonderful. He has saved us in video games so many occasions. He deserves the popularity,” Bassey mentioned. “We’re buzzing, and we take every recreation because it comes.

“That’s one of the best ways to take every recreation. Don’t get too down by the losses and don’t let the wins get to your head.”