Fulham’s progression from the FA Cup third round was down to their German goalkeeper.
Bernd Leno had the right nose, but also a bit of luck at Old Trafford to become the match winner. “Sometimes a penalty shootout is like a casino. Today we won at roulette,” said the Fulham goalkeeper after the FA Cup triumph at defending champions Manchester United: “It feels great.”
The former national team goalkeeper saved from Victor Lindelöf and former Munich player Joshua Zirkzee in the round of 16 clash, enabling the Londoners to prevail 4-3 on penalties. After 120 minutes, the score was 1-1 (1-1, 1-0).
“I had some information”
“I had some information. For example, that Bruno Fernandes was waiting and delaying a lot. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stop his shot,” Leno said after the game. But basically, he said, he relied “more on instinct” and “read the runs”.
Before Lindelöf’s effort, the 32-year-old was helped by an inner voice. “I completely changed my mind. At first I wanted to go left. But something in my head told me to go right,” said Leno, “luckily that was the right decision.”
Duel with Glasner’s Palace
Calvin Bassey put the guests in the lead (45.+1), Bruno Fernandes forced extra time for United (71.). With the score at 3-3, Leno first saved low to his right from the Swede Lindelöf, then in the other corner from the Dutchman Zirkzee – the game was decided.
Fulham will face Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, managed by Austrian coach Oliver Glasner, in the quarter-finals on March 29.
Leno, who won the 2020 FA Cup with Arsenal, last played for his country in September 2021. Because he turned down a squad invitation last year because Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann did not offer him a chance to play, a return to the DFB team is likely to be difficult.
