Crystal Palace advanced to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a 3-1 victory over local rivals Millwall at Selhurst Park on March 1, 2025. The match, marked by the early exit of striker Jean-Philippe Mateta due to injury, highlighted both the excitement and hazards of the sport.
The game took a dramatic turn just eight minutes in when Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was sent off after he dangerously kicked Mateta in the head during his attempt to clear the ball. Referee Michael Oliver initially allowed play to continue, but after consulting VAR, he showed Roberts the red card. Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish later described the tackle as "the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I've ever seen," emphasizing the severity of the incident.
Mateta, who had been enjoying a stellar season with eight goals in his last nine matches, received immediate medical attention on the field and was eventually stretchered off and taken to the hospital, leaving the Eagles with heightened concerns about his future.
After the dismissal, Crystal Palace utilized their one-man advantage effectively, continuing to press and creating chances. They finally broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute when Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga inadvertently headed the ball from a Will Hughes cross past his own goalkeeper, Lukas Jensen. Just seven minutes later, Crystal Palace doubled their advantage when Daniel Munoz tapped the ball home from close range after confusion within the Millwall box, making it 2-0. Initially ruled offside, the goal was awarded after VAR determined the last touch came from Tanganga.
Despite being down to ten men, Millwall refused to back down and pulled one back just before the half-time whistle. A chaotic moment led to Wes Harding firing home from inside the area, giving Millwall fans hope as the score read 2-1 at the break.
After the interval, Millwall started strongly, pushing for the equalizer, but Crystal Palace steadied themselves and regained control of the match. Eddie Nketiah, replacing the injured Mateta, all but sealed the match for the Eagles with a header from Chris Richards' flick-on after Eberechi Eze’s free kick just eight minutes from full-time.
"It's terrible [the challenge]. I don’t want to blame him, but it's such a reckless play. We can't be really happy with the win when you lose someone like him," stated Palace manager Oliver Glasner after the final whistle, noting the mixed feelings of victory and concern for Mateta.
Conversely, Millwall’s manager Alex Neil downplayed the severity of the challenge, saying, "I don't think there's any intent… It's mistimed, he’s been sent off, and he’s disappointed. But we wish Mateta well and hope he's back on the pitch soon." Neil expressed his frustration with the way his team conceded goals, stating, "When you're down to 10 men, you want to make them work for their goals. It's disappointing we gave them opportunities like we did tonight."
The Kaiser Chiefs took the opportunity by dominating possession and had numerous chances to put the game to bed after their second goal. But credit to Millwall, who responded with moments of intensity, showing spirit even when down to ten. The game marked the 100th meeting between these two London rivals, with Palace registering the win and reviving their hopes for silverware this season.
Attendance at the match was recorded at 21,263, who were treated to both the highs of Crystal Palace's performance and the concerning injury to Mateta.
The victory continues Palace’s resurgence after what had been a slow start to the season, with the team having lost only twice across their last 13 matches in all competitions—a bright spot for fans eagerly waiting for more news on Mateta's condition as the season progresses.
With the FA Cup quarter-final draw looming, Palace will focus on their next steps, hoping for recovery updates on Mateta and carrying this momentum forward.