In a stunning culmination to the 2024–25 season, Crystal Palace etched their name into football history by clinching their first major trophy—a 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley on May 17, 2025. This triumph not only marked a watershed moment for the South London club but also underscored the tactical acumen of manager Oliver Glasner and the resilience of his squad.
The match's decisive moment arrived in the 16th minute. A fluid counter-attack saw Jean-Philippe Mateta and Daichi Kamada exchange passes before releasing Daniel Muñoz down the right flank. Muñoz's precise cross found Eberechi Eze, who volleyed home with finesse, igniting celebrations among the Palace faithful. Eze's goal was a testament to the cohesive play that had become a hallmark of Glasner's tenure.
Manchester City, despite dominating possession with 78% and registering 23 shots to Palace's 7, struggled to penetrate the well-organized Palace defense. Their best opportunity came in the 36th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Tyrick Mitchell's challenge on Bernardo Silva. However, Dean Henderson's heroics in goal denied Omar Marmoush from the spot and thwarted Erling Haaland's follow-up attempt, preserving Palace's slender lead.
Controversy arose in the 23rd minute when Henderson appeared to handle the ball outside the penalty area while challenging Haaland. Despite appeals, VAR did not recommend a red card, allowing Henderson to continue his pivotal role in the match. His performance earned him accolades and further frustrated City's efforts.
City's tactical setup, notably the absence of a specialist defensive midfielder, left them vulnerable to Palace's counter-attacks. Glasner's strategy exploited these gaps, reminiscent of his earlier warning to Guardiola about the system's flaws. The Austrian manager's insight proved decisive, as Palace maintained their lead amidst City's relentless but ultimately fruitless pressure.
As the final whistle blew, the significance of the victory resonated deeply. Captain Marc Guéhi, despite being substituted due to injury, lifted the trophy alongside former captain Joel Ward, symbolizing the club's journey and unity. The win not only secured Europa League qualification for the 2025–26 season but also signaled a new era for Crystal Palace, highlighting the impact of strategic leadership and cohesive team play.
Following Manchester City’s shock 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in the 2025 FA Cup Final, Pep Guardiola was gracious in defeat but visibly disappointed during his post-match interview. He praised Palace's tactical discipline while reflecting on his team’s performance and what went wrong at Wembley.
“First, congratulations to Crystal Palace and Oliver [Glasner],” Guardiola began. “They defended very well, they were organized, and they took their chance. In finals, that’s often what matters most.”
Guardiola acknowledged his side’s dominance in possession but lamented their inefficiency in the final third:
“We had the ball, we controlled most of the match, but we didn’t create enough clear chances. We missed the penalty and had some moments, but not enough against a team that defended with so much heart. It happens.”
When asked about his tactical setup and the absence of a natural holding midfielder, Pep responded:
“We tried something different. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. I won’t blame the system—we have used it before and succeeded. But today, it didn’t give us what we needed in key areas.”
He also addressed the season as a whole, which ended without silverware for the first time since 2016–17:
“It’s a tough moment, of course. This group has given a lot over many years. Losing is part of football. We need to rest, come back stronger, and learn from this. I am proud of my players—even today, they fought until the end.”
Despite the result, Guardiola showed respect for what Palace had achieved:
“For Crystal Palace, this is a beautiful story. To beat us in a final—it means they did many things right. They deserve this moment.”
Guardiola’s remarks reflected both his admiration for Palace’s execution and a sober self-assessment of City’s rare misfire. The loss marked a humbling end to a demanding season, while amplifying the scale of Palace’s historic triumph.
manager Oliver Glasner was full of pride and emotion as he addressed the media. Reflecting on the momentous occasion, Glasner said:
“This is more than just a trophy. It’s a reward for the hard work, belief, and unity that this group of players, staff, and supporters have shown all season. We faced one of the best teams in the world and showed incredible discipline, courage, and quality. I couldn’t be prouder.”
He continued:
“We had a clear plan—stay compact, be patient, and be brave when the moment came. Eberechi’s goal was special, but the whole team deserves credit. Dean [Henderson] was outstanding, especially with the penalty save. We made history today, and I hope this is just the beginning for Crystal Palace.”
Glasner also praised the club’s long-time servants:
“People like Joel Ward and Marc Guéhi—these are leaders. It was fitting that they lifted the trophy together. This club is built on loyalty, hard work, and passion. Today, all of that paid off.”
Winning the FA Cup for the first time ever marked a seismic moment for Crystal Palace, who had previously reached the final only twice (1990 and 2016), losing both times to Manchester United.
By lifting the FA Cup, Palace secured a place in the UEFA Europa League for the 2025–26 season—only their second time playing in European competition and their first since the 1998 Intertoto Cup. The victory over a dominant Manchester City side, who had won the treble the previous season, added extra weight to the achievement.
The 2024–25 season saw Palace play their most consistent football in recent memory, including a strong Premier League campaign and tactical evolution under Oliver Glasner.
Henderson's penalty save and overall performance in the final capped a remarkable personal season, further establishing him as one of England’s top goalkeepers.
This historic cup win is likely to become a foundational moment for the club’s modern identity, sparking dreams of sustained success and a new legacy in both domestic and European football.
For Manchester City, the defeat marked a rare trophyless season, prompting reflections on tactical decisions and squad dynamics. Conversely, Crystal Palace's triumph served as an inspiring narrative of determination, strategic planning, and the rewards of cohesive teamwork, offering a fresh chapter in English football's storied history.
