In a stunning turn of events at Wembley Stadium on May 17, 2025, Crystal Palace clinched their first-ever major trophy by defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup Final. This historic victory not only ended a 120-year wait for silverware but also secured Palace’s qualification for European competition for the first time in the club’s history.
Match Overview
The decisive moment came in the 16th minute when Eberechi Eze volleyed home a precise cross from Daniel Muñoz, giving Palace an early lead. Despite Manchester City’s dominance in possession, they struggled to break down Palace’s resolute defense. City’s best opportunity to equalize came in the 36th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but Dean Henderson’s crucial save denied Omar Marmoush, preserving Palace’s lead.
Key Performances
Dean Henderson: The Palace goalkeeper delivered a man-of-the-match performance, making several vital saves, including the penalty stop, to keep a clean sheet against City’s formidable attack.
Eberechi Eze: Eze’s first-half goal proved to be the match-winner, capping off a season where he consistently delivered in crucial moments for Palace.
Daniel Muñoz: The Colombian full-back not only provided the assist for Eze’s goal but also contributed significantly to Palace’s defensive solidity throughout the match.
Marc Guéhi: The club captain led by example, organizing the defense effectively until he was substituted due to injury in the second half.
Tactical Masterclass
Manager Oliver Glasner’s tactical acumen was on full display as he set up Palace to absorb pressure and exploit counter-attacking opportunities. The team’s discipline and organization frustrated Manchester City’s attempts to find an equalizer, highlighting Glasner’s impact since taking over the managerial role.
Aftermath and Significance
This victory marks a watershed moment for Crystal Palace, as they not only lift their first major trophy but also earn a spot in the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League. For Manchester City, the defeat signifies a rare trophyless season, prompting reflections on their performance in domestic competitions.
The 2025 FA Cup Final will be remembered as a testament to the magic of the competition, where underdogs can defy the odds and etch their names into footballing history. Crystal Palace’s triumph serves as an inspiration to clubs striving for glory against the game’s elite.
–James T. Abel Adesitimi
Discover more from
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
