28 February 2024 at 00:08
Newcastle escaped the horror – beating Blackburn in a penalty shootout
Newcastle looked like they could pull off a cup win against Blackburn, but progressed after a penalty shoot-out.
Newcastle were big favorites when they visited the championship series team Blackburn in the round of 16 of the FA Cup.
Blackburn were just goal difference away from qualifying for promotion to the Premier League last season, but have struggled this year. The team is in 16th place in the league.
The team has had trouble outside of sports this season, which led, among other things, to Danish Jon Dahl Tomasson resigning as head coach after disagreements and dissatisfaction with the club’s management. He has since taken over the Swedish national team.
The new coach John Eustace was able to push Newcastle all the way to extra time, but in the penalty shootout it called a halt. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka was the big hero for the visitors when he saved Dominc Hyam’s penalty after 120 intense minutes at Ewood Park.
Alan Shearer was in place at the stadium and was praised by both teams’ supporters. Shearer won the Premier League with Blackburn in the 1994/1995 season, and later played at Newcastle for over ten years. Shearer is still the Premier League’s all-time top scorer with 260 goals.