London: Crystal Palace won their first-ever trophy by stunning Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday. The club won their first major trophy in the existence of 120 years, thanks to Eberechi Eze's first-half goal and Dean Henderson's penalty save. They became the 43rd side to clinch the title of the tournament.
Eze opened the attack for Crystal Palace in the 16th minute, and then the team defended that lead with a compact defence. The South London club carved a counter-attack as they moved from front to back with lightning speed. Jean-Philippe Mateta held the ball on the halfway line and then passed it to full-back Daniel Muñoz, who made a run with a burst from the right flank. He then provided a cross to Eze, who struck the ball in the far corner of the net to give City a lead.
🏆 @CPFC are your 2024-25 #EmiratesFACup winners 🏆 pic.twitter.com/ufAyghAUIS
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 17, 2025
City had a golden chance to equalise the scoreline as Bernardo Silva was brought down by Tyrick Mitchell, and the team received a penalty. But, former Manchester United goalkeeper Henderson saved the penalty with his sharp reflexes. The command of his area and an impressive defence from Muoz, Chris Richards, and Jefferson Lerma prevented City from scoring.
Also, a nervy moment occurred when Henderson appeared to handle the box outside the penalty box under pressure, but the VAR concluded that no goalscoring opportunity has been denied. Palace thought that they had scored a second goal when a long throw from Richards led to a chaotic situation in the box. But Muñoz turned the ball into the goalpost. However, the goal was disallowed as VAR showed an offside infringement by Ismala Sarr.
Crystal Palace are the @EmiratesFACup 2025 CHAMPIONS 🏆 #CPFC pic.twitter.com/BbIwgasmTW
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 17, 2025
The seven-time winner attacked the other end relentlessly in the second half for a comeback, but Crystal's defence still stood their ground.
