An outstanding goal in extra time by Abdul Fatawu propelled Championship leaders Leicester City past Premier League side Bournemouth and into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
The match ended in a goalless draw after regular time, with both teams striking the post and squandering several scoring opportunities.
Approaching half-time in extra time, Abdul Fatawu seized possession on the edge of the box and expertly curled a shot into the top right corner, despite the fingertips of Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers.
This crucial goal propelled Enzo Maresca’s team into the FA Cup quarter-finals for the first time since their tournament victory in 2021.
Despite the loss, Bournemouth’s winless streak extends to six matches across all competitions. However, they can now focus on securing their Premier League survival, with Andoni Iraola’s side currently eight points clear of the relegation zone.
“It was a good win and a good game,” Maresca told BBC Sport.
“I don’t think winning tonight shows we are Premier League level or if we’d lost that we aren’t Premier League level. It is just a game. Tonight we showed our level and we are happy.
“QPR on Saturday [in the league] is the most important thing in this moment.”
Iraola, whose side had 27 shots on goal, said: “It is disappointing and it was a bad night for us because at the end it was the worst thing that could happen.
“We had a lot of shots and chances to finish the play and in the end if you play 120 minutes and don’t score you deserve to go out.
“I think it’s an opportunity missed.”
The draw for the quarter-finals takes places at 19:00 GMT on Wednesday and will be streamed live on the BBC Sport website and app.
Bournemouth spurn chances as Leicester dream continues
On Saturday, Bournemouth faced off against Manchester City, showcasing a commendable effort but ultimately falling short of securing a point or more against the Premier League champions.
The scenario in this match was strikingly similar. Both teams displayed attacking vigor and pace in the early stages, with the hosts particularly dangerous down the right flank thanks to the lively Luis Sinisterra.
Sinisterra’s well-placed cutback provided January acquisition Enes Unal with an opportunity, only to see his shot blocked on the goal line. Another chance created by the Colombian winger resulted in Alex Scott firing over the bar.
As the first half progressed, Leicester gained momentum and came closest to breaking the deadlock when Marc Albrighton’s powerful strike struck the post. Moments later, Wanya Marcal’s curling effort forced a fingertip save from the goalkeeper.
Early in the second half, Bournemouth’s Marcos Senesi struck the same post with a left-footed cross that eluded everyone before making contact with the woodwork.
The intensity of the match simmered down in the second half, although Leicester’s Yunus Akgun squandered a golden opportunity to secure victory in the dying minutes, blasting his shot over the crossbar.
The decisive moment of brilliance arrived late in the game, cementing what has already been a memorable season for Leicester, who currently sit six points clear at the top of the Championship table. With three months remaining, the possibility of an unforgettable season looms large for Maresca and his squad.
“It is a great feeling,” Fatawu told BBC Sport. “I’m so happy for the goal and for the team.
“Our season has been amazing. It is good to be top of the league but we’re not done yet. We’re going hard to go to our main destination and we’ll go again next week.”