Crystal Palace clinched its first-ever major title by defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final on Saturday at Wembley Stadium.
The result marks the end of Manchester City’s dominant run, handing Pep Guardiola his first season without a trophy since 2016–17.
The winning goal came in the first half, courtesy of Eberechi Eze, who finished off a swift counterattack — a move that has become characteristic under manager Oliver Glasner’s leadership.
Despite relentless pressure from Manchester City throughout the match, including a missed penalty by Omar Marmoush, Palace’s defense and goalkeeper Dean Henderson stood firm to preserve the narrow lead.
Counterattack Masterclass
Palace struck in the 16th minute with a classic breakaway. Jean-Philippe Mateta, stationed at midfield, held off a challenge before releasing Daniel Muñoz down the right flank. Muñoz surged forward and delivered a precise low cross into the box, finding Eze, who calmly guided the ball into the far corner, sending the Palace supporters into raptures.
City maintained dominance in possession both before and after the goal and were awarded a penalty when Bernardo Silva was fouled by Tyrick Mitchell. However, Marmoush’s spot kick was expertly saved by Henderson, keeping Palace ahead.
At halftime, Palace held their 1-0 advantage — and were 45 minutes from rewriting their club’s history.
Dogged Defense and Unbreakable Resolve
The second half mirrored the first, with Manchester City throwing everything forward in search of an equalizer. However, Palace remained resolute, with Henderson delivering a standout performance to keep Guardiola’s side at bay.
As the final whistle neared, City’s attacking momentum fizzled, and Crystal Palace held firm to secure a landmark triumph.
“It’s special,” said Eze in an interview with BBC Sport. “I don’t even know what to say.”
Making History
Crystal Palace entered the match as clear underdogs, facing a Manchester City side that has been a dominant force in English football, winning six Premier League titles since 2017–18 and a host of domestic and European trophies.
But Palace were undeterred. Defender Chris Richards spoke to CNN Sport ahead of the final, highlighting the team’s belief: “What’s amazing is that we have the chance to do something no one in Crystal Palace history has ever done.”
Eze’s decisive goal sealed that historic moment. Richards praised his teammate’s brilliance, saying: “He does things on the pitch I can’t even imagine. He’s a quiet leader — when he speaks, you listen.”
This landmark win not only delivers Crystal Palace their first major trophy but also secures them a spot in European competition for the first time ever.
Fans are expected to celebrate long into the night, and next season, the club will carry its newfound status onto the European stage.
Source: CNN
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