Wolverhampton Wanderers saw their FA Cup journey come to an end in dramatic fashion as Bournemouth triumphed 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time.
Despite a determined performance from Rayan Aït-Nouri, who played the full 120 minutes while observing Ramadan and successfully converted his spot-kick, the Wolves fell short in the decisive moments.
Aït-Nouri impresses but Wolves fall short
The match at the Vitality Stadium was a tense battle, with both sides struggling to break the deadlock early on.
Bournemouth took the lead in the second half, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Wolves to edge in front.
However, Wolverhampton responded through a well-worked team move, finished with precision to level the score and force extra time.
Aït-Nouri, playing under physically demanding circumstances due to fasting, put in a tireless shift at left-back.
His composure was evident when he stepped up during the penalty shootout and confidently slotted his effort past the goalkeeper.
However, his contribution was not enough to secure Wolves’ progression, as Bournemouth held their nerve in the shootout to advance to the next round.
Wolves’ season narrows to Premier League survival battle
With their FA Cup exit following an earlier Carabao Cup elimination, Wolverhampton’s focus now shifts solely to the Premier League. Sitting in 17th place after 27 matches, the team faces a crucial run of fixtures in their battle to avoid relegation.
Manager Gary O’Neil will be tasked with rallying his squad to improve their league form, with Wolves desperately needing points to secure their top-flight status.
The performance against Bournemouth showcased moments of resilience, but the lack of cutting-edge finishing remains a concern.
Bournemouth march on
For Bournemouth, the victory provides a morale boost as they continue their FA Cup journey.
The Cherries held their composure in the high-pressure penalty shootout, with their goalkeeper making a crucial save to seal the win.
As the FA Cup progresses, Bournemouth will be looking to build on this momentum and push further in the competition.
Meanwhile, Wolves must regroup quickly, with their Premier League survival now the sole focus for the remainder of the season.
