Crystal Palace and Aston Villa clashed in a thrilling FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on April 26, 2025, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the final. This match held significant importance for both clubs; while Crystal Palace sought their first major trophy, Aston Villa aimed to end their 29-year wait for a major title.
The Eagles came into this match with a strong performance history against Villa, having knocked Fulham out 3-0 in the quarter-finals and enjoying a record of not losing to Villa in their last four encounters, conceding just 13 goals in that span. Meanwhile, Villa had managed to eliminate notable teams like West Ham and Tottenham on their path to the semi-finals.
As the match kicked off, both teams displayed a mix of cautious play and attacking intent. Crystal Palace, managed by Oliver Glasner, lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, while Aston Villa, under Unai Emery, opted for a 4-2-3-1 setup. The first half saw both teams create chances, but it was Eberechi Eze's stunning strike in the 31st minute that broke the deadlock, putting Palace ahead 1-0.
Eze's goal was a remarkable curler from the edge of the box that sailed past Villa's goalkeeper, Emiliano Martínez. The shot was so well executed that it drew mixed reactions from pundits; Wayne Rooney noted that Martínez should have saved it, while others praised Eze's technique.
After taking the lead, Crystal Palace continued to press forward, with Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaïla Sarr causing problems for the Villa defense. However, despite a few missed opportunities, including a glaring chance for Tyrick Mitchell just before halftime, Palace maintained their advantage as the teams headed into the break.
As the second half commenced, Villa looked to respond quickly. In the 49th minute, John McGinn had a powerful shot saved by Palace's goalkeeper, Dean Henderson, showcasing his impressive form throughout the match. The Villa players began to find their rhythm, and it looked like they were gaining momentum.
However, the turning point came in the 51st minute when a penalty was awarded to Crystal Palace. Eze, who had been lively throughout the game, was brought down in the box by Boubacar Kamara, who had already been booked earlier in the match. Referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot without hesitation, giving Palace a golden opportunity to double their lead.
The atmosphere in the stadium was electric as Eze prepared to take the penalty. Fans held their breath, knowing how crucial this moment could be. The tension was palpable as Eze stepped up to the spot, aiming to secure a stronger foothold in the match.
While the match continued, Villa's efforts to equalize were met with resistance from the Palace defense, which held firm under pressure. Henderson made several crucial saves, ensuring that Palace remained in the lead. His performance was vital, particularly in moments where Villa appeared poised to strike.
Despite Villa's attempts to claw back into the game, Crystal Palace's defense, led by Marc Guéhi and Malo Lacroix, managed to thwart their advances. The Eagles' midfield, with players like Daichi Kamada and Alex Wharton, worked tirelessly to maintain possession and control the tempo of the game.
As the clock ticked down, both managers made tactical changes, hoping to shift the momentum in their favor. Glasner brought on fresh legs to bolster his side's defense, while Emery sought to inject creativity and urgency into Villa's attack.
With the match approaching its final stages, tensions rose as Villa pushed forward desperately in search of an equalizer. Ollie Watkins and Marco Asensio were at the forefront of Villa's attacks, but they were met with a resolute Palace side determined to hold onto their lead.
The final whistle blew, and Crystal Palace celebrated a hard-fought victory, securing their place in the FA Cup final. This match marked a significant milestone for Palace, who continued their quest for their first major trophy. Meanwhile, Aston Villa faced disappointment once again, as their wait for silverware extended.
In the aftermath, Oliver Glasner expressed his pride in his team's performance, stating, "We showed discipline and focus, and we capitalized on our chances. The players were magnificent today." Unai Emery, on the other hand, acknowledged the challenges his team faced, stating, "We must learn from this and improve. We had chances, but we need to be more clinical to succeed in these crucial matches."
As both teams reflect on this semi-final encounter, the narrative of the FA Cup continues, with Crystal Palace now just one match away from potentially making history.
