Bournemouth reached the FA Cup quarter-finals for only the third time in their history, defeating Wolves on penalties after a dramatic 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium. The match was overshadowed by a record eight-minute VAR review and a late red card for Wolves’ goalscorer Matheus Cunha.
Bournemouth, seeking to avenge a 1-0 Premier League defeat to Wolves last weekend, started brightly. They took the lead on the half-hour mark when Evanilson, making his first start since recovering from a broken foot, tapped in after Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone parried Antoine Semenyo’s shot.
The hosts thought they had doubled their advantage five minutes later when Milos Kerkez bundled the ball home. However, the goal was disallowed after an unprecedented eight-minute VAR review. The newly introduced semi-automated offside technology was unable to be used due to the crowded six-yard box, forcing officials to manually draw lines. The goal was eventually ruled out for offside, with Dean Huijsen deemed to have been offside when Kerkez’s shot brushed his shoulder. The VAR check also considered potential handballs. Alex Scott too had a goal disallowed.
Wolves equalized in spectacular fashion in the second half. Matheus Cunha, collecting a pass from Santiago Bueno, unleashed a swerving, long-range strike that beat Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. It was Cunha’s 15th goal of the season in all competitions.
The match went to extra time, with Bournemouth dominating possession but unable to find a winner. Johnstone produced several excellent saves, denying Tyler Adams, Luis Sinisterra, and Lewis Cook.
The game took a dramatic turn in the closing stages of extra time. Cunha, having earlier been Wolves’ hero, was sent off for violent conduct after aiming a punch, kick, and headbutt at Kerkez following a tussle.
Shootout Drama and Bournemouth’s Progress
The penalty shootout saw misses from Wolves’ Boubacar Traore and Matt Doherty, while Huijsen missed it for Bournemouth, allowing Luis Sinisterra to convert the winning spot-kick for Bournemouth.
Bournemouth now advance to the quarter-finals, matching their achievements of 1957 and 2021. The draw for the last eight will take place after Sunday’s tie between Manchester United and Fulham.
Cunha’s Moment of Madness Costs Wolves
Wolves, aiming to reach the quarter-finals for the second consecutive season, had their chances. Jean-Ricner Bellegarde saw a shot deflected wide, and Jorgen Strand Larsen failed to connect decisively with a Cunha cross.
Cunha’s red card, however, proved costly. The Brazilian, who had earlier scored a stunning equalizer, needlessly clashed with Kerkez, leaving his team a man down for the crucial final minutes and removing their primary penalty taker. This is not Cunha’s first disciplinary issue; he was charged with misconduct by the FA following a defeat by Ipswich in December. Wolves may regret missing key chances and Cunha’s indiscipline.
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