Raul Jimenez Converts Dramatic Third Penalty to Rescue Fulham Against Ipswich
Jimenez Steals the Spotlight in Penalty-Filled Thriller
When it comes to drama, few things beat a Premier League match loaded with tension, VAR controversy, and the sort of pressure that tests even the coolest players. On January 5, 2025, the Craven Cottage crowd got all of that. Raul Jimenez, a forward who’s built his career around big moments, played hero in Fulham’s wild clash with Ipswich Town, converting the team’s third penalty of the game to bring the sides level.
The back-and-forth contest had already seen its fair share of twists. By the time the referee blew for Fulham’s third spot-kick, both sets of players looked exhausted—not just from running, but from the mental rollercoaster. The officials called for a VAR check after a clumsy challenge in the box, leaving fans and players frozen. The review stretched on, adding layers to the pressure cooker atmosphere.
When the referee finally pointed to the spot, all eyes shifted to Jimenez. This wasn’t his first dance from 12 yards this season, and everyone in the stadium knew it. The Mexican striker’s record from the spot had steadily grown all campaign. He wasn’t flashy about it: a steady run-up, a keen stare, and then a low, unsaveable finish into the corner, sending the keeper one way and the ball the other. The roar that erupted from Fulham’s faithful said everything – Jimenez had just plugged the leaks and put the game on a knife-edge once again.
A Season of Composure for Fulham’s Number 9
This wasn’t some one-off. Since the start of the 2024/25 season, Jimenez has become Fulham’s penalty specialist, a role that usually needs thick skin. Earlier in the season, he delivered under pressure against teams like Newcastle and Aston Villa, never losing his nerve even when the stakes spiked late in the game.
Jimenez’s routine might look simple, but behind it is hours of training. Since arriving at Fulham, he’s worked closely with the coaching staff to perfect his penalties, focusing on both the mental side and technical execution. Assistant coaches have pointed out how Jimenez studies keeper tendencies—whether they jump early, guess low, or try to read the taker’s eyes. It’s not just about power, but psychology: baiting goalkeepers into diving before he picks his spot.
More than anything, this equalizer reminded Fulham why they chased Jimenez in the first place. It’s about trust in big moments. He doesn’t let nerves creep in, even with crowds whistling and opponents provoking. When the whistle blows, he switches off the noise, squares his shoulders, and does the job.
For Ipswich, this game stings. Penalties can dominate a match, and this one was no exception. Defensive lapses aside, the VAR calls and resulting penalties left them frustrated, but also showed how quickly a match can swing on a single decision when players like Jimenez are lurking up front.
The final whistle in west London didn’t just signal the end of a barnstormer. It underlined why proven finishers are worth their weight in gold. When Fulham needed composure and a touch of class, Jimenez—cool as you like—answered the call once again.