London (CNN) — In a breathtaking display of determination, Crystal Palace shocked the football world by defeating Manchester City 1-0 at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, clinching their first-ever FA Cup trophy.
Eberechi Eze’s decisive strike in the 16th minute, expertly finishing Daniel Muñoz’s cross, sent the Palace fans into a frenzy. The win marks a historic moment for the club, ending their long wait for a major title.
“It was the Crystal Palace day. It was the day for our fans and it just had to happen that we win,” said an elated Palace manager Oliver Glasner. “I got this feeling during the season that we can achieve incredible things.”
Manchester City dominated possession with nearly 77% and fired 23 shots at goal, but Palace’s resilient defense held firm. The turning point came when City’s Omar Marmoush missed a crucial penalty in the 36th minute. After Tyrick Mitchell brought down Bernardo Silva in the box, Marmoush’s low shot was brilliantly saved by Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, igniting another wave of celebration among the Palace faithful.
Despite relentless pressure, City couldn’t find an equalizer. A late goal from Muñoz was ruled offside after a VAR review, sealing their fate and ensuring they finished a season without silverware for the first time in eight years.
After the final whistle, Prince William presented the medals and the coveted trophy to the triumphant Palace squad. Club chairman Steve Parish expressed his joy, saying, “We owed them a trophy and we got them one. All the people that stick with you and believe, it is for them. It’s great for the Cup as well.”
This victory echoes some of the tournament’s greatest upsets, standing alongside Wigan’s 2013 win over City and Wimbledon’s 1988 triumph against Liverpool. For Crystal Palace, it’s a momentous achievement after falling short in their previous finals in 1990 and 2016, both times against Manchester United.
