Man Utd defeats Brighton in a shootout to get to the FA Cup final
Posted : 24 April 2023
Sunday's FA Cup semifinal between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Wembley ended scoreless after extra time, setting up the first-ever all-Manchester matchup in the championship.
Brighton's seventh shooter in the shootout, Solly March, sent the ball over the crossbar before Victor Lindelof scored to give United a 7-6 shootout victory.
"It felt great," Lindelof said. "It was a great relief and we're glad to be in the final.
"I have confidence in myself and I knew which penalty I wanted to take and that's what I did."
After 120 goalless minutes of wild swings in a game that veered from end to end all night, the nail-biting conclusion was a fitting conclusion.
In pouring rain, the quality of the penalties was outstanding, and United scored on all seven of their attempts.
Brighton's first six shots were all superb, but March's wildly off-target shot ruined the run.
"They were great penalties," United keeper David De Gea said.
"I was prepared as always. I tried to put pressure on the takers."
"There's still a long way to the final but it will be a big game against one of the best teams in Europe and the world."
Treble-chasing After defeating Sheffield United 3-0 in Saturday's semifinal, Manchester City awaits in the championship game.
United, who have won the FA Cup 12 times overall under Erik ten Hag, are vying for a cup double after taking home the League Cup in February.
"We showed at home we can beat them [Manchester City], so let's hope," De Gea said. United beat City 2-1 in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Jan. 14.
"We are on the right track. One trophy, another final and fighting for the top four. It's not enough, but it's a big step from last season."
The final from 1983, in which Brighton fell to United in the south coast team's lone participation, was rematched on Sunday.
Wembley spectators were on the edge of their seats as there were multiple opportunities for both teams to break the tie, including several in overtime.
ADD A COMMENT :
Hot Topics
User name is required Email Id is required Comment is required
ADD A COMMENT :