Crystal Palace Shocks Manchester City in Historic 2025 FA Cup Final Victory



Crystal Palace vs Manchester City: A Historic Upset in the 2025 FA Cup Final

On May 17, 2025, Crystal Palace etched their name in football history with a stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium. It marked Palace’s first major trophy since the club’s founding, making the moment even more monumental.

Eze’s Magic and Palace’s Impeccable Defense

Despite Manchester City’s overwhelming dominance in possession and chances, it was Crystal Palace who found the breakthrough. In the 16th minute, Daniel Muñoz delivered a precise low cross to the box where Eberechi Eze volleyed it home, giving Palace a surprise lead.

City struggled to find a response. Palace defended with incredible discipline and composure, and goalkeeper Dean Henderson delivered a world-class performance, including saving a penalty from Omar Marmoush.

Crystal Palace players celebrate their FA Cup win at Wembley while Manchester City stars look on in disappointment, under the stadium lights.
crystal-palace-vs-manchester-city-fa-cup-2025.jpg

Crystal Palace players celebrate their FA Cup win at Wembley while Manchester City stars look on in disappointment, under the stadium lights.
crystal-palace-vs-manchester-city-fa-cup-2025.jpg





Controversy Adds Drama

The match featured a controversial moment in the first half when Henderson seemingly handled the ball outside his area. A VAR check followed, but the goalkeeper was only shown a yellow card—much to the frustration of Manchester City’s bench and fans.

Stat Highlights

  • Possession: Man City – 76.7%, Crystal Palace – 23.3%

  • Shots: Man City – 23, Crystal Palace – 6

  • Key Saves by Henderson: 6

  • Passes by Rúben Dias: More than the entire Palace team combined

These numbers underline just how remarkable Palace's victory was.

First Trophy in 120 Years

This win brought Crystal Palace their first FA Cup title and qualified them for the UEFA Europa League. Under Oliver Glasner’s leadership, Palace achieved what many believed was impossible.

In contrast, the loss marked Manchester City’s first trophyless season under Pep Guardiola, despite their continued excellence in ball control and build-up play.

Watch the Highlights

Don’t miss the drama and excitement. Check out the full match highlights here:

Watch: Crystal Palace vs Manchester City | FA Cup Final 2025

Closing Thoughts

This final will be remembered for years to come—a reminder that in football, heart and belief can overcome even the most dominant giants. Congratulations to Crystal Palace, the 2025 FA Cup Champions!

Manchester City (Manager: Pep Guardiola)

Formation: 4-2-4The Times+2BeSoccer+2BeSoccer+2

  • Goalkeeper: Stefan Ortega (No. 18)

  • Defenders:

    • Right-back: Manuel Akanji (No. 25)

    • Centre-back: Rúben Dias (No. 3)

    • Centre-back: Joško Gvardiol (No. 24)

    • Left-back: Nico O'Reilly (No. 75)

  • Midfielders:

    • Bernardo Silva (No. 20)

    • Kevin De Bruyne (Captain, No. 17)

  • Forwards:

    • Right wing: Savinho (No. 26)

    • Attacking midfield: Omar Marmoush (No. 7)

    • Left wing: Jérémy Doku (No. 11)

    • Striker: Erling Haaland (No. 9)The Sun+2Wikipedia+2Sky Sports+2Sky Sports

Substitutes:

  • Ederson (No. 31)

  • Vitor Reis (No. 22)

  • Abdukodir Khusanov (No. 45)

  • Jack Grealish (No. 10)

  • Nico González (No. 14)

  • İlkay Gündoğan (No. 19)

  • Matheus Nunes (No. 27)

  • Claudio Echeverri (No. 30)

  • Phil Foden (No. 47)Manchester City FC+2Wikipedia+2The Sun+2

🔴 Crystal Palace (Manager: Oliver Glasner)

Formation: 3-4-2-1

  • Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson (Captain, No. 1)

  • Defenders:

    • Right centre-back: Chris Richards (No. 26)

    • Centre-back: Maxence Lacroix (No. 5)

    • Left centre-back: Marc Guéhi (No. 6)

  • Midfielders:

    • Right wing-back: Daniel Muñoz (No. 12)

    • Central midfield: Adam Wharton (No. 20)

    • Central midfield: Daichi Kamada (No. 18)

    • Left wing-back: Tyrick Mitchell (No. 3)

  • Attacking midfielders:

    • Right: Ismaïla Sarr (No. 7)

    • Left: Eberechi Eze (No. 10)

  • Striker: Jean-Philippe Mateta (No. 14)WikipediaThe Guardian+2talkSPORT+2Wikipedia+2Wikipedia

Substitutes:

  • Remi Matthews (No. 31)

  • Joel Ward (No. 2)

  • Michael Olise (No. 11)

  • Nathaniel Clyne (No. 17)

  • Will Hughes (No. 19)

  • Ben Chilwell (No. 25)

  • Favour Umeh-Chibueze (No. 46)

  • Joe Devenny (No. 55)

  • Caleb Kporha (No. 58)Manchester City FCWikipediaWikipediaWikipediaSky Sports

Match Summary:

Crystal Palace secured a historic 1-0 victory over Manchester City, clinching their first-ever major trophy. The decisive goal came in the first half when Eberechi Eze finished a swift counter-attack, assisted by Daniel Muñoz and Jean-Philippe Mateta. Dean Henderson was instrumental in the win, making several crucial saves, including a penalty stop from Omar Marmoush. Despite dominating possession, Manchester City couldn't break through Palace's resolute defense. The Guardian


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