Crystal Palace claimed the first major trophy in their 119-year history on Saturday, defeating Premier League giants Manchester City 1-0 in a gripping FA Cup final at Wembley.
It was local boy Eberechi Eze who delivered the decisive moment, volleying home after just 16 minutes to send Palace fans into raptures and deliver a long-awaited silver lining to south London’s footballing story.
City, seeking to avoid a second straight FA Cup final defeat, dominated possession and carved out numerous chances, but were repeatedly denied by an inspired Dean Henderson in the Palace goal. The former Manchester United goalkeeper was the clear standout, saving a first-half penalty from Omar Marmoush and producing a string of vital stops to preserve the slender lead.
The result marks a dramatic turn in fortunes for both clubs. Palace, beaten in their previous two final appearances in 1990 and 2016, had never lifted the famous old trophy before. Their triumph under Austrian coach Oliver Glasner—appointed just 15 months ago—caps a remarkable rise in form and discipline under his leadership.
For City, the defeat closes a rare trophyless domestic season, their first since 2016-17. Despite flashes of their usual attacking prowess, Pep Guardiola’s side appeared unusually vulnerable throughout, particularly after missing the presence of a dedicated holding midfielder in an uncharacteristically cavalier lineup.
Kevin De Bruyne, making what is expected to be his final appearance at Wembley in City colours, was instrumental early on, orchestrating attacks with his usual precision. His lofted ball nearly yielded the opener, finding Erling Haaland at the back post, only for Henderson to intervene with a reflex save. Moments later, the Palace keeper was again called into action to stop a close-range header from Josko Gvardiol.
Then, against the run of play, Palace struck. In a rare foray forward, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Daniel Muñoz combined smartly down the right, before Eze arrived in the box to lash home a first-time finish past Stefan Ortega.
City continued to press after the break. Tyrick Mitchell’s foul on Bernardo Silva earned the Premier League champions a penalty, but the pressure seemed to weigh heavy. Haaland stood aside as Marmoush stepped up, only to see his effort saved low by Henderson.
Muñoz thought he had doubled the lead midway through the second half, but a lengthy VAR check ruled his strike offside. Henderson was again called upon late on, notably tipping over a curling effort from substitute Jeremy Doku.
Palace survived 10 minutes of added time as City threw everything forward, but the final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations and a sea of purple and blue inside Wembley. The club’s anthem, Glad All Over, rang out as players and fans alike revelled in a moment that will live long in the memory.
It was not just a win—it was a defining moment for a club too often cast in the shadows of bigger names. For Crystal Palace, this was more than just a cup final. It was history.
