Crystal Palace are set to feature in their third FA Cup final in history, aiming to secure their first major trophy since 1990.
The Eagles shocked Aston Villa 3-0 in the semifinals, with goals from Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr, booking a Wembley showdown against Manchester City.
Oliver Glasner’s tactically disciplined side now eyes a historic upset in the 2025 FA Cup final. Follow BRG365 for live updates and exclusive FA Cup final coverage.
A Dream Revived
For Crystal Palace, the 2025 FA Cup final marks a return to Wembley after a nine-year hiatus, reigniting hopes of ending their 35-year trophy drought.
The Eagles’ journey to the final—a blend of gritty defense and explosive counterattacks—has captivated fans, with their dominant 3-0 semi-final victory over Aston Villa serving as a defining moment.
This article dissects their historic run, key players, and the daunting challenge ahead in the FA Cup final.
A Century of FA Cup Heartache
Crystal Palace’s FA Cup history is a tale of near misses. Their only previous final appearances came in 1990 (1-3 loss to Manchester United) and 2016 (0-2 defeat to United), both marred by controversial moments—most notably the 1990 “ghost goal” incident, where a goal was incorrectly disallowed.
These scars have fueled a collective hunger to finally lift the trophy in the 2025 FA Cup final.
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2025 Cinderella Story
Tactical Revolution
Glasner’s 5-3-2 system has transformed Palace into a defensive fortress.
In the semi-final, they limited Villa to 42% possession while striking with clinical efficiency. Eze’s midfield brilliance (5 goals, 3 assists in the FA Cup) and Sarr’s blistering pace (2 goals vs. Villa) were pivotal.
The Eagles’ set-piece threat—accounting for 38% of their goals this season—adds another layer of danger.
Key Matches
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Quarter-Final vs. Liverpool: A 2-1 upset where Sarr’s dribbles and Eze’s passes exposed the Reds’ defense.
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Semi-Final vs. Villa: Palace’s clinical finishing (3 shots on target, 3 goals) stunned Emery’s side, with Sarr’s second-half brace sealing the FA Cup final spot.
Men Behind the Miracle
Oliver Glasner
The Austrian manager, known for his 2022 Europa League triumph with Eintracht Frankfurt, has instilled a “no-fear” mentality.
He kept the team focused on league form ahead of the FA Cup final, a strategy that delivered crucial Premier League wins.
His post-semi-final remark—“We respect City, but we fear no one”—epitomizes his bold approach.
Eberechi Eze
Eze’s rise from Arsenal youth reject to Palace talisman is inspiring.
His FA Cup performances include a stunning solo goal vs. Villa and five goals in his last four matches across all competitions.
Off the pitch, he embodies South London pride, making him a fan favorite ahead of the FA Cup final.
Ismaila Sarr
Signed for £30m in 2023, Sarr has silenced critics with 12 assists and five FA Cup goals.
His semi-final double showcased his ability to exploit defenses, earning praise as Palace’s key weapon in the FA Cup final.
A Red Army Rising
Crystal Palace’s fanbase, rooted in London’s working-class communities, has rallied behind the team.
Over 35% of Wembley’s 90,000 tickets are allocated to Palace supporters, who plan a vibrant display at the Boxpark Wembley fan park (entry £10, open 9 AM).
The Holmesdale Fanatics group raised £13,000 for a pre-final TIFO, highlighting the emotional connection to the FA Cup final.
Final Showdown: Palace vs. City
Key Stats at a Glance
|
Metric |
Crystal Palace |
Manchester City |
|---|---|---|
|
FA Cup Final Appearances |
2 (0 wins) |
14 (7 wins) |
|
Recent Head-to-Head |
1 win in 8 |
7 wins in 8 |
Tactical Battle
Manchester City, chasing a third consecutive FA Cup title, enter as heavy favorites but face injury concerns (Rodri, Stones).
Palace’s game plan: compact defense, midfield presses, and rapid counters via Sarr and Edward. Eze’s form (5 goals in 4 games) and City’s defensive lapses could decide the FA Cup final.
A Legacy in the Making
Crystal Palace’s run to the 2025 FA Cup final is a story of perseverance.
Whether they lift the trophy or not, this team has already etched its name in history.
As Glasner stated, “The FA Cup final is where dreams are made. We’re ready to write ours.” On May 17, the Eagles will take flight at Wembley, determined to turn their FA Cup final dream into reality.
Final Details
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Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025
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Kick-off: 16:30 BST (London time)
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Venue: Wembley Stadium
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Broadcast: BBC One, ITV1 (UK); global coverage via UEFA partners.
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