In a breathtaking display of grit and brilliance, Crystal Palace clinched their first major trophy in 164 years, defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2025. The south London club, long overshadowed by England’s footballing giants, wrote a new chapter in their storied history, sparking wild celebrations among fans and etching an unforgettable moment into the annals of the sport.
The match’s defining moment came in the 16th minute when Eberechi Eze, Palace’s talismanic midfielder, swept home a low cross from Daniel Muñoz. The goal, a product of a lightning-fast counterattack, saw Jean-Philippe Mateta hold up play before Muñoz surged down the right flank, delivering a pinpoint ball that Eze converted with composure. The strike sent the Palace faithful into delirium, their underdog side taking the lead against a Manchester City team that has dominated English football for years. Eze, who has now scored in every round of this FA Cup campaign, later described the moment as “what dreams are made of,” reflecting on the sheer improbability of toppling a global powerhouse.
Palace’s victory was not without controversy. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, a hero on the day, saved a penalty from City’s Omar Marmoush, a moment that proved pivotal in preserving the slender lead. However, Henderson’s earlier challenge on a City player had many expecting a red card, only for VAR to spare him. The decision drew ire from City manager Pep Guardiola, who clashed with Henderson post-match over perceived time-wasting. Despite the debate, Henderson’s heroics, including late saves against Jeremy Doku and Claudio Echeverri, ensured Palace’s defense held firm. “We had a feeling it would be our day,” Henderson said, his voice thick with emotion. “I knew which way he was going. I knew I’d save it.”
Manager Oliver Glasner, the first Austrian to win the FA Cup, masterminded the triumph, outwitting Guardiola with a deep defensive setup and rapid counterattacks. Glasner, who previously led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory, dedicated the win to Palace’s passionate supporters. “We gave thousands of our fans in south London a moment for their life,” he said, visibly moved. His tactical acumen exposed City’s vulnerabilities, with Guardiola’s decision to field a heavily rotated side—featuring only three players in the same positions as their 5-2 league win over Palace last month—drawing scrutiny. The Guardian noted that City’s manager “lost the mind games battle,” with his tactical tweaks failing to counter Palace’s resolve.
The victory marks a remarkable turnaround for Palace, who endured their worst start to a season in over 30 years. Glasner’s belief in his squad, coupled with standout performances from players like Eze, Henderson, and USMNT stars Chris Richards and Matt Turner, transformed their fortunes. Richards, only the second American to win an FA Cup, called the journey “unreal,” reflecting on his path from Alabama to Wembley. The win also secures Palace’s place in next season’s Europa League, a fitting reward for a club that has spent decades in the top two tiers of English football without silverware.
For Manchester City, the defeat capped a disappointing campaign, having failed to retain the Premier League or Champions League. Kevin De Bruyne, speaking post-match, hinted at uncertainty about his future, adding to the sense of a team at a crossroads. City’s loss echoed their 2013 FA Cup final defeat to Wigan Athletic, another underdog triumph that stunned the footballing world.