Summary of FA Cup matches: Newcastle required penalties to narrowly defeat Blackburn, while Leicester emerged victorious against Bournemouth.

Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka emerged as the hero for Newcastle United as they narrowly avoided an FA Cup upset against Championship side Blackburn Rovers. Eddie Howe’s team had to rely on penalties to secure their place in the quarter-finals after the game ended 1-1 in regular time.

Newcastle, who are currently in 10th place in the Premier League, are desperate to end their trophy drought that dates back to 1955. The FA Cup also presents their best opportunity to qualify for European competition next season. Following their 4-1 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday, the visitors knew they couldn’t afford any slip-ups in this tricky tie at Ewood Park.

Both teams created numerous chances in an exhilarating encounter. Tyrhys Dolan and Sammie Szmodics had shots saved for Blackburn, while Sean Longstaff came close for Newcastle. It was Anthony Gordon who broke the deadlock for the Magpies in the 71st minute, converting Miguel Almiron’s pass. However, Szmodics equalized shortly after with a rebound from close range.

Rovers goalkeeper Aynsley Pears made several outstanding saves in extra time, including a brilliant double stop to deny Gordon and Longstaff. The match eventually went to penalties, where Dubravka proved to be the difference-maker. He saved Blackburn’s first and fifth penalties from Szmodics and Dominic Hyam, securing Newcastle’s progression to the next round.

In another FA Cup clash, Bournemouth and high-flying Championship side Leicester City couldn’t be separated in regular time. Both managers made several changes to their starting lineups, but the strikers from both teams struggled to find the back of the net. As the game seemed destined for penalties, it was Leicester, the FA Cup winners in the 2020/21 season, who caused an upset. 19-year-old Abdul Fatawu scored a thunderous strike in the 105th minute to secure victory for the Foxes.

Meanwhile, Erling Haaland was in sensational form for Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, scoring five goals as they comfortably progressed to the quarter-finals for the sixth consecutive season.