The FA Cup fifth-round matches on March 1, 2025, delivered thrilling action, dramatic comebacks, and intense encounters as teams battled for a place in the quarter-finals. Here’s a roundup of the key results from Saturday’s fixtures.
Manchester City 3-1 Plymouth Argyle
Manchester City faced a surprising early challenge from Championship side Plymouth Argyle but ultimately secured their spot in the next round with a 3-1 victory. Plymouth shocked the Etihad Stadium by taking the lead in the 38th minute through Maksym Talovierov’s header. However, City responded swiftly, with young defender Nico O’Reilly scoring the equalizer in first-half stoppage time. O’Reilly struck again in the 76th minute, heading home another assist from Kevin De Bruyne. The Belgian playmaker then sealed the win with a goal of his own in the dying minutes, ensuring City’s progression to the quarter-finals.
AFC Bournemouth 1-1 Wolverhampton Wanderers (Bournemouth won 5-4 on penalties)
A dramatic clash between Bournemouth and Wolves ended in a penalty shootout, with Bournemouth emerging victorious. Evanilson put Bournemouth ahead, but Wolves equalized through Matheus Cunha. However, Wolves were reduced to ten men when Cunha was sent off for violent conduct, changing the course of the game. After extra time ended 1-1, the match went to penalties. Bournemouth held their nerve, winning the shootout 5-4, with Luis Sinisterra converting the decisive spot-kick.
Crystal Palace 3-1 Millwall
Crystal Palace secured a convincing 3-1 victory over Millwall in a heated London derby that saw a serious injury overshadow the match. Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta suffered a severe injury after a high challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts, who was subsequently shown a red card. Japhet Tanganga’s own goal gave Palace an early lead before Daniel Muñoz and Eddie Nketiah extended their advantage. Wes Harding pulled one back for Millwall, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Palace from advancing.
Preston North End 3-0 Burnley
In one of the standout results of the round, Preston North End produced a stunning 3-0 victory over Burnley to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1966. Robbie Brady set the tone with a brilliant 25-yard free-kick before Milutin Osmajić and Will Keane added further goals to complete a dominant performance.
Looking Ahead
With these results, the FA Cup quarter-finals are set to deliver even more excitement. Manchester City, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace, and Preston North End will be eagerly awaiting their next opponents as the road to Wembley continues.
Stay tuned for more FA Cup action as the competition reaches its thrilling climax.