LONDON (AP) — Late goals from substitutes Raúl Jiménez and Rayan Ait-Nouri secured a winning start for new Wolverhampton manager Julen Lopetegui in the team’s 2-0 win over fourth-tier Gillingham in the Cup. of the English League on Tuesday.
Newcastle, Leicester and Southampton also reached the quarter-finals with victories as top-level football resumed in England after the World Cup in Qatar.
In the only Premier League meeting of the night, Newcastle beat Bournemouth 1-0 with Kieran Trippier playing a key role at St James’ Park. The England defender sent in a cross that Bournemouth’s Adam Smith headed into his own net in the 67th minute.
Leicester cruised to a 3–0 win against third division side MK Dons. Youri Tielemans, who was part of Belgium’s group stage World Cup elimination, scored in the 18th minute and Ayoze Perez doubled the lead just before the half-hour mark. Veteran forward Jamie Vardy completed the scoring early in the second half.
Che Adams scored twice to help Southampton beat Lincoln 2-1 at St. Mary’s Stadium. The visitors from the third division took an early lead with an own goal from goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu. Adams scored the game-winner in the 74th minute, allowing the Saints to avoid a penalty shootout.
At the Molineux Stadium, Lopetegui got off to an awkward start with a goalless game until minute 77 against the last-placed team in the Second Division.
The former Sevilleexhaled the Real Madrid and Spain coach after Jiménez, back from the World Cup with Mexico, scored from the penalty spot. Ait-Nouri provided the mattress in stoppage time.
“For me it’s a very special day and of course I’m very happy,” Lopetegui said, “but above all it’s for the team because we wanted to be in the next round.”
It was Jiménez’s first appearance for the club since August. Wolverhampton is in last place in the Premier League.
“It’s good for Raúl and it’s good for us,” Lopetegui said. “All forwards want to score and that will be important for their confidence.”
The Premier League resumes on Monday, December 26.
___
AP World Cup coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/world-cup and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports
