Man in the mask: Wolves star Jimenez in nod to WWE amigo Sin Cara after acrobatic goal (VIDEO)
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Mexican star Raul Jimenez produced an acrobatic finish in the FA Cup semi-final against Watford before whipping out a mask in tribute to WWE star Sin Cara.
The extravaganza of WrestleMania 35 hits New York on Sunday night and Jimenez was clearly in the mood all the way in London.
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The striker scored a scissor-kick goal to put his team 2-0 up against Watford at Wembley, then racing to the touchline to put on a special Wolves-style wrestling mask he had stowed there.
It was a tribute to Mexican-American WWE star Sin Cara, known for his own array of masks when competing in the ring.
🇲🇽 | Incredible finish and celebration from @Raul_Jimenez9!#EmiratesFACuppic.twitter.com/VwEeJytzUz
— The Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) April 7, 2019
Several weeks ago the wrestler had issued a special social media message supporting Wolves and Jimenez, dressed in the same kind of mask that the footballer produced on Sunday.
Wishing @Wolves ⚽️ and my friend @Raul_Jimenez9 all the best❗️Que sigan los Exitos querido amigo🙏🏼. #TodosSomosSinCara#RJ9pic.twitter.com/m4C6C6kUqn
— Sin Cara (@SinCaraWWE) March 9, 2019
Jimenez’s 62nd-minute goal added to Matt Doherty’s first-half opener for Wolves, who were bidding to win their first FA Cup since 1960.
But their lead was reduced on 79 minutes by a delightful chipped finish by substitute Gerard Deulofeu, before Troy Deeney hit them with a clothesline by winning and converting an injury-time penalty for Watford to send the game into extra-time.
🏌 | Cheeky chip from @gerardeulofeu pulls one back for @WatfordFC!#EmiratesFACuppic.twitter.com/pHDrfZKhlk
— The Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) April 7, 2019
Wolves fans were left hoping Jimenez - who is on loan from Benfica, but was confirmed as a record $40 million signing last week - could pull them back off the ropes and back into tie.
But it was not to be as Deulofeu landed another sucker-blow in extra-time to send Watford into the final against Manchester City, and send Jimenez and Wolves down and out.