In a stunning upset at Wembley Stadium on Saturday May 17, 2025, Crystal Palace secured their first major trophy in the club’s 164-year history by defeating Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final. Eberechi Eze’s 16th-minute volley, assisted by Daniel Muñoz, proved decisive in a match where Palace had only 21% possession.
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson was instrumental in preserving the lead, making several crucial saves, including a penalty stop against Omar Marmoush in the 36th minute. Despite City’s dominance in possession and attempts, they failed to break down Palace’s resolute defense.
Under the guidance of manager Oliver Glasner, who took over 15 months prior, Palace’s victory not only ended their long wait for silverware but also secured qualification for the UEFA Europa League. Glasner, the first Austrian to win the FA Cup, praised his team’s mental strength and collective spirit.
The triumph marks a significant milestone for Crystal Palace, transforming a season that began with challenges into one of historic achievement.
Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace Manager)
In the post-match press conference, Oliver Glasner expressed immense pride in his team’s performance:
“It was a one-in-10 shot, but the players showed incredible mental strength and discipline. We’ve given our fans a moment for life.”
Glasner highlighted the team’s resilience, especially after a challenging start to the season, and lauded the unwavering support of the fans.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged his team’s shortcomings in the final:
“We dominated possession but failed to capitalize on our chances. Credit to Crystal Palace for their defensive organization.”
Guardiola refrained from criticizing referee decisions but noted his team’s inability to break down Palace’s defense despite their dominance in possession.