Crystal Palace soared into the FA Cup final with a resounding 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Wembley Stadium on April 26, 2025. The Eagles showcased their attacking prowess and defensive solidity, marking their first appearance in the final since 2016 and setting the stage for a potential first major trophy in the club's history.
The match began with both teams feeling each other out, but it was Eberechi Eze who ignited the contest with a stunning goal in the 31st minute. Eze received a pass from Ismaila Sarr and unleashed a beautiful strike from 22 yards, bending the ball into the net and sending the Palace fans into a frenzy.
After the break, Villa had a chance to equalize when Jean-Philippe Mateta was awarded a penalty, but he squandered the opportunity, firing wide of the post. Just moments later, Sarr made Villa pay for that miss by doubling Palace's lead with a powerful shot from distance in the 58th minute. Sarr capped off the evening with a third goal in stoppage time, sealing a comprehensive win for the Eagles.
Palace's manager, Oliver Glasner, praised his players for their performance, stating, "I don't want to talk about the final today. Every game to win it, we have the approach to win it. The players can party tonight; they have a few days off. It's a good moment for us." His players certainly delivered, demonstrating a remarkable team effort that highlighted their resilience and attacking flair.
Defensively, Crystal Palace was solid, with captain Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix ensuring that Villa could not mount sustained pressure. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson also played a crucial role, making key saves to keep Villa at bay. Henderson's performance was a testament to his growth in high-pressure situations, earning him admiration from England coach Thomas Tuchel.
Despite their defeat, Aston Villa's manager Unai Emery expressed disappointment but remained focused on their Premier League ambitions. "Our priority is the Premier League. I am sorry to the supporters, but I dominate my frustration," he said post-match. Villa, who have not lifted the FA Cup in 68 years, must now shift their focus to securing a Champions League spot as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
Guehi echoed the sentiment of the team, highlighting the importance of staying grounded after their significant win. "It was a really tough game against really good opposition, and in those games, it's about moments. We showed a real togetherness and good spirit today," he told BBC Sport.
As the dust settles on this semi-final, the attention now turns to the final, where Crystal Palace will face either Nottingham Forest or Manchester City on May 17, 2025. Eze expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete for the trophy, stating, "We want to go all the way and we believe we can do it."
The match drew an impressive attendance of 82,301 at Wembley, and the atmosphere was electric as Palace fans celebrated their team's achievements. With Eze and Sarr leading the charge, Palace has shown they are a force to be reckoned with as they pursue their first major title.
In summary, Crystal Palace's victory over Aston Villa was not just a win; it was a statement. The Eagles are ready to take on the challenge of the FA Cup final, and with their current form, they could very well lift the trophy that has eluded them for so long.
