Rodrigo Muniz leads Fulham to FA Cup victory over Wigan

In February 2025, Fulham Football Club faced Wigan Athletic in an FA Cup match at the Brick Community Stadium. Rodrigo Muniz proved to be the difference for Fulham, scoring both of their goals in a hard-fought 2-1 victory. The match marked a significant milestone for Fulham, maintaining their lengthy unbeaten run against Wigan, which extended to 20 matches. Wigan, who once lifted the FA Cup in 2013, put forth a spirited effort despite playing in League One and worked hard to level the score, showcasing their determination throughout the game. Fulham began the match with considerable control, holding 90% of the possession in the opening 20 minutes. Muniz opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, finishing a well-placed cross from Ryan Sessegnon with a diving header. However, Wigan responded effectively in the second half with Jonny Smith equalizing with a stunning long-range goal from 25 yards, igniting hope among the home fans. Fulham quickly regained dominance when Muniz capitalized on a clever pass from Andreas Pereira just five minutes later, ensuring a win for the Premier League side. Throughout the match, despite falling behind initially, Wigan displayed a commendable fighting spirit, making several attempts to equalize again. They came close with multiple opportunities, including Jason Kerr heading a corner wide and substitute Ronan Darcy forcing saves from Fulham's goalkeeper, Steven Benda. In stoppage time, Wigan thought they had equalized once more but were denied by an offside call. Despite the scoreline, Wigan's performance highlighted their determination to compete despite their lower league status. Marco Silva, the Fulham manager, praised Rodrigo Muniz's contributions and spoke about the competitiveness in the squad, especially comparing Muniz to Raúl Jiménez. The win allowed Fulham to progress to the FA Cup's fifth round, keeping their hopes alive for a successful cup run. Wigan's manager Shaun Maloney reflected positively on his team's efforts and the vibrant atmosphere at the Brick Community Stadium, noting the importance of maintaining that spirit moving forward for the club. The match showcased the contrasting dynamics of teams from different tiers, ultimately signifying Fulham's quality and resilience against a staunch challenge from Wigan.