FA Cup Fifth Round: Brighton Secures Quarter-Finals Spot with Late Win Over Newcastle

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The FA Cup fifth round match between Newcastle and Brighton ended in a thrilling 2-1 win for the latter, with Danny Welbeck scoring the decisive goal in extra time. The match, which took place on Sunday, 2 March 2025, at St. James' Park, saw both teams give their all, but it was Brighton who emerged victorious. Newcastle made six changes to their starting lineup, with Alexander Isak returning from a groin injury and Joelinton making a timely comeback after a month out with a knee injury.

The first half of the match saw both teams creating scoring opportunities, but neither could find the back of the net. It wasn't until extra time that the deadlock was broken, with Welbeck scoring the winning goal. The 34-year-old striker, who has had a remarkable season with Brighton, netted his eighth goal of the campaign, cementing his team's place in the quarter-finals. Welbeck's goal was a testament to his experience and skill, as he ran on to Solly March's pass and clipped a clever finish over Martin Dubravka from a tight angle.

The win was a significant one for Brighton, who have been performing well in the FA Cup this season. The team's victory over Newcastle marks a major milestone in their campaign, and they will be looking to build on this momentum as they progress to the next round. The FA Cup quarter-finals schedule is expected to be announced soon, with Brighton eagerly awaiting their next match. Some of the key matches in the fifth round included:

• Newcastle 1, Brighton 2
• Manchester United 3, West Ham 1
• Manchester City 2, Bristol City 0

Newcastle, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the loss, but they can take heart from their performance. The team showed great spirit and determination, and they will be looking to bounce back from this defeat in their upcoming matches. The Magpies' starting lineup included Martin Dúbravka, Kieran Trippier, Fabian Schär, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak, Tino Livramento, Dan Burn, and Lewis Miley. The substitutes were Nick Pope, Callum Wilson, Matt Targett, Emil Krafth, William Osula, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, and Bruno Guimarães.

The FA Cup quarter-finals are expected to be highly competitive, with several top teams still in the running. Brighton will be looking to continue their good form and make a deep run in the competition. With Welbeck in top form, they have a good chance of making it to the semi-finals. The team's success will depend on their ability to perform under pressure and make the most of their scoring opportunities. As the competition heats up, fans can expect some thrilling matches and unexpected upsets.