Rodrigo Muniz Brace Sends Fulham into FA Cup Fifth Round Against Wigan

Fulham Overcome FA Cup Jitters to Edge Wigan in Thriller
Rodrigo Muniz’s brace secures fifth-round spot despite Jonny Smith’s wonder strike

[IMAGE: Rodrigo Muniz celebrates his first goal with a diving header. Caption: Muniz opened the scoring with a clinical header.]

Fulham exorcised their FA Cup fourth-round demons with a hard-fought 2-1 win at Wigan, propelled by Rodrigo Muniz’s double. The Cottagers, who had stumbled at this stage six times in seven years, survived a second-half scare from Jonny Smith’s spectacular equalizer before their Brazilian striker delivered the knockout blow.

First-Half Dominance
Marco Silva’s rotated side—featuring 10 changes from their Premier League win over Newcastle—controlled proceedings early. Fulham enjoyed 91% possession in stretches, with Ryan Sessegnon’s pinpoint cross meeting Muniz’s diving header for the 23rd-minute opener.

[IMAGE: Jonny Smith curls a shot into the top corner. Caption: Smith’s stunning strike momentarily leveled the match.]

Wigan’s Moment of Magic
Wigan, winless in their last 13 games, sprung to life five minutes after halftime. Smith cut inside and unleashed a curling 20-yard rocket past Steven Benda—their first shot on target—to ignite hopes of an upset. Silva admitted Fulham’s missed chances to “kill the game” nearly proved costly.

Muniz Seals the Deal
The Brazilian duo of Andreas Pereira and Muniz combined decisively in the 55th minute. Pereira’s clever lob sent Muniz through, and the striker coolly slotted past Sam Tickle. Wigan’s Shaun Maloney praised his team’s spirit but lamented missed connections with fans: “This felt like the club I knew long ago.”

[IMAGE: Muniz slots home his second goal. Caption: Pereira’s assist allowed Muniz to restore Fulham’s lead.]

Key Takeaways

• Fulham’s Progress: Silva’s gamble on squad rotation paid off, ending a dismal fourth-round streak.
• Muniz’s Rise: The striker’s brace strengthens his case for more Premier League minutes.
• Wigan’s Fight: Despite relegation battles, the Latics showcased cup magic, with Smith’s goal a highlight.

Match Facts

• Wigan: Tickle; Sibbick, Kerr, Carragher, Robinson; Adeeko (Darcy 61’), Smith; J. Smith (McManaman 70’), Weir, Asamoah (Dale 61’); Taylor (Goodwin 71’).
• Fulham: Benda; Castagne, Cuenca, Diop, Sessegnon; Cairney (Berge 85’), Reed; King (Smith Rowe 86’), Pereira (Traoré 75’), Godo (Iwobi 75’); Muniz (Vinícius 90’).
• Goals: Muniz (23’, 55’), J. Smith (50’).
• Attendance: 12,281.

Fulham now await Monday’s fifth-round draw, while Wigan focus on their League One survival bid.