For Crystal Palace, the 2024–25 season will be remembered as the year they finally broke new ground – Crystal Palace FA Cup winners. On Saturday, 17 May 2025, the Eagles became FA Cup champions for the first time in their 119-year history. They defeated Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley Stadium. The victory not only delivered their first major trophy but also secured a place in the UEFA Europa League for the forthcoming season.
This victory marked a defining moment, ending a long wait for silverware and sparking celebrations across South London. The triumph, driven by a disciplined performance under manager Oliver Glasner, showcased Palace’s ability to compete against one of England’s most formidable sides.
Despite them most likely finishing in the very middle of the table, the Eagles saved their season with one of the most coveted trophies in English football.
The Game Itself
The match against Manchester City was a testament to Palace’s strategic discipline and resilience. In the 16th minute, a swift counter-attack saw Jean-Philippe Mateta hold up play at the halfway line, releasing Daniel Muñoz down the right. Muñoz’s precise low cross found Eze, who volleyed past Stefan Ortega to give Palace the lead.
Manchester City, despite dominating possession with 76.7% and taking 23 shots, struggled to convert their chances. A pivotal moment came in the 33rd minute when Henderson saved a penalty from Omar Marmoush, preserving Palace’s slender advantage.
City’s attacking line, including Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, pressed relentlessly. But Palace’s backline, anchored by Chris Richards and Marc Guéhi, held firm. Henderson’s additional saves, including a late stop from substitute Claudio Echeverri, ensured the clean sheet.
A controversial moment arose when Henderson escaped a potential red card for handling outside the box. A decision that frustrated City’s manager Pep Guardiola. Despite 10 minutes of stoppage time, Palace’s defensive resolve secured the 1-0 victory. The Wembley crowd erupted as “Glad All Over” echoed through the stadium.
Palace’s Contrasting Premier Season and FA Cup Glory
Crystal Palace’s path to the FA Cup final began in January with a straightforward victory over lower-league opposition. Still, it was in the later rounds that their resolve and quality were tested.
Palace navigated the third and fourth rounds with relative ease, setting up a London derby against Millwall. In a fiery encounter, Palace won 3-1, despite Millwall pulling a goal back after being reduced to ten men. Goals from Daniel Muñoz and Eddie Nketiah, plus an own goal, secured their passage to the quarterfinals.
The Eagles continued to impress, defeating Doncaster Rovers 2-0, with Muñoz again on the scoresheet and Justin Devenny adding a second. Each round saw Palace grow in confidence and cohesion. The semifinal against Aston Villa was a standout performance. Palace outplayed their Premier League rivals, winning 3-0. Eze opened the scoring with a strike from distance. Late on, Ismaïla Sarr netted twice to seal their place in the final.
While Palace’s FA Cup run was a story of triumph and unity, their Premier League campaign painted a different picture. Throughout the season, Palace occupied a mid-table position, typically between 9th and 12th place. Their league form was inconsistent, with periods of promise tempered by frustrating results.
Europa League Qualification
Winning the FA Cup has significant implications for Crystal Palace’s immediate future. As cup winners, they have secured a place in the group stage of the 2025–26 UEFA Europa League. This marks the first time in the club’s history that they have qualified for a major European competition, beyond the now-defunct Intertoto Cup.
Palace’s prospects in Europe depend on maintaining their core squad. Players like Eze and Guéhi are attracting interest from bigger clubs. Nevertheless, the FA Cup victory is a milestone for Crystal Palace. Not only for the trophy but for the doors it opens in European football.
