Eberechi Eze sparked massive celebrations across South London after scoring the only goal that gave Crystal Palace a 1-0 win over Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley, securing the club’s first-ever major trophy.
The local boy fired home a volley in the 16th minute, while former Manchester United keeper Dean Henderson pulled off several stunning saves. Despite dominating possession and chances—including a missed penalty—City failed to find the net in what turned out to be a gripping final on Saturday.
Eze, who had already scored vital goals in the quarter-final and semi-final, struck totally against the run of play. Palace then had to endure relentless pressure from City but held on for a famous win.
City’s Omar Marmoush missed a first-half penalty, capping off a disappointing campaign for Pep Guardiola’s men. It’s the second straight year they’ve lost the FA Cup final and the first time they’ll end a season without a domestic trophy since 2016-17.
For Palace fans dressed in their purple and blue, it was pure joy. Manager Oliver Glasner, who joined just 15 months ago, led the side to glory in their third FA Cup final after losing in 1990 and 2016. He also becomes the first Austrian coach to lift the trophy.
City started strong and looked hungry to silence critics. With a highly offensive starting lineup, they pinned Palace back in the opening stages. Kevin De Bruyne, making his final Wembley appearance in City colours, set up Erling Haaland for a close-range effort brilliantly saved by Henderson. The Palace keeper also stopped a header from Josko Gvardiol shortly after.
Palace’s first real attack resulted in a goal. Jean-Philippe Mateta passed to Daniel Munoz, whose cross was smashed in by Eze to send the Palace end into a frenzy.
Ismaila Sarr nearly doubled the lead, but Ortega saved. Henderson later caused hearts to race when he seemed to handle outside the box, though VAR cleared him.
City were awarded a penalty when Tyrick Mitchell tripped Bernardo Silva, but surprisingly, Haaland didn’t take it. Marmoush stepped up instead and missed, his tame shot saved by Henderson.
Henderson continued his heroics, including a superb save from Jeremy Doku’s curling shot. Despite City having 81% possession in the first half, Palace held their lead.
Munoz thought he’d added a second after the break, but VAR disallowed it for offside. City pushed hard in the closing stages, but Palace’s defence held strong.
The crowd groaned at 10 minutes of added time, but Palace survived, and when the final whistle blew, their anthem “Glad All Over” echoed around the stadium as the club made history.
