Raúl Jiménez showcased his scoring prowess on February 1, 2025, propelling Fulham to a thrilling comeback victory over Newcastle United at St. James' Park. With his ninth goal of the Premier League season, Jiménez not only aided his team's climb up the league standings but also reestablished himself as one of the competition's key players.
The match began with Newcastle taking the lead just before halftime. Jacob Murphy found the net at the 37th minute with a well-placed shot following a cross from the left, putting the hosts up 1-0. The goal highlighted Newcastle's early dominance but set the stage for Fulham's determined response.
After the halftime break, it was clear Fulham had adjusted their strategy. The visitors quickly pressured Newcastle's defense, seeking to turn the tide. At the 61st minute, Jiménez's moment arrived. After recovering possession deep within his own half, he initiated the counterattack. Following quick plays among teammates, Antonee Robinson received the ball and sent it back across the box. Jiménez, positioned perfectly, executed a first-time shot with precision, beating Newcastle's goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka and leveling the score at 1-1.
Roberto Haz enthusiastically summarized Jiménez's skillful play, noting, "Es una locura el golazo de Raúl Jiménez, miren cómo recupera el balón en defensa, sale corriendo a máxima velocidad, construye la jugada con sus compañeros y se mete al área para definir con clase." His assessment captured the essence of the goal, showcasing Jiménez's remarkable blend of speed and finishing ability.
Despite his impressive goal, Jiménez was substituted out of the game at the 73rd minute for Rodrigo Muniz, which frustrated him visibly. Nevertheless, Coach Marco Alexandre Saraiva da Silva's tactical decision proved fruitful. Just nine minutes later, Muniz scored the winning goal, redirecting a free-kick delivery to give Fulham a 2-1 lead.
This result emerged as pivotal for Fulham, eleving them to ninth place with 36 points, closing the gap on European competition opportunities. Newcastle, on the other hand, suffered their second defeat in three games, still holding onto fifth place but with the threat of slipping down the table.
With this match, Jiménez continued to shape his legacy in English football. Leading Fulham's scoring charts, he reached 163 career goals across professional clubs, including his previous feats at Wolves, America, and Benfica. Now with 11 goals so far this season across all competitions, his present tally stands as the third best of his seven seasons in the Premier League, trailing only behind his previous high of 17 goals.
Overall, this victory marks not just three points for Fulham but also promotes Jiménez's resurgence after having faced challenges earlier this season. Fulham fans are left delighted, reflecting on the magic of their star forward, who continues to make significant strides on English football's grand stage.