In a thrilling London derby at Craven Cottage, Crystal Palace triumphed over Fulham with a decisive 3-0 victory in the FA Cup quarter-finals, marking a significant moment for both clubs in their quest for silverware.
The match kicked off at 12:15 PM GMT, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Fulham, having lost their last four FA Cup quarter-finals, were desperate to reverse their fortunes against a Palace side that had won four of their last five quarter-final appearances.
Fulham started strong, dominating possession early on and creating several chances. In fact, they were the more threatening side in the first half, with Rodrigo Muniz missing a golden opportunity to score in the second minute. However, it was Palace who struck first against the run of play. Eberechi Eze, who had been underperforming this season, found the net with a stunning curling shot from 30 yards out, sending the visiting fans into a frenzy.
As the match progressed, Palace’s confidence grew. Eze doubled the lead just minutes later, nodding home from a precise cross by Sarr. The home crowd was left stunned as their side, who had been on top for much of the first half, found themselves two goals down.
Fulham struggled to regain their momentum after conceding. Despite their possession, they failed to convert opportunities into goals, with Palace’s defense, led by Chris Richards, Marc Guéhi, and Maxence Lacroix, putting in a masterclass performance to keep the home side at bay.
In the second half, Fulham continued to press, but their efforts were thwarted by Palace’s solid backline. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone remained largely untroubled, with Fulham failing to register a single shot on target until late in the game.
Palace sealed the victory with a third goal from substitute Eddie Nketiah, who scored just minutes after coming on. Nketiah's goal came in the 75th minute, further cementing Palace's dominance in the match. The Eagles were now cruising towards Wembley, with the final whistle confirming their place in the semi-finals.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, who made his return from a horrific ear injury that required 25 stitches, played a key role in the match, providing a physical presence up front for Palace. His return was a welcome boost for manager Oliver Glasner, who had been concerned about his fitness leading into the match.
Marco Silva, Fulham's manager, was left frustrated as his side failed to capitalize on their early chances. "We need to be our best version," Silva said post-match, reflecting on the importance of the game for both the club and the fans. Fulham has not reached a major domestic final in 50 years, and their hopes of ending that drought were dashed in front of their home crowd.
Despite the defeat, Fulham fans showed their support, acknowledging the team's efforts throughout the season. The Cottagers had made significant strides under Silva, and there are signs of progress as they aim for a top-half finish in the Premier League.
For Crystal Palace, the victory is a significant step towards potential silverware. With the FA Cup being one of the oldest and most prestigious competitions in football, this win boosts their confidence as they look to build on their recent form. Palace has been one of the standout teams in 2025, winning nine of their last twelve matches in all competitions.
The FA Cup this season holds particular significance for both clubs. For Fulham, it represents a chance to end a long wait for a major trophy, while for Palace, it’s an opportunity to add to their trophy cabinet and continue their impressive run in cup competitions.
As the quarter-finals progress, all eyes will be on the remaining teams, with Manchester City, Aston Villa, and others vying for glory. The FA Cup continues to be a source of excitement and unpredictability, and with Palace's victory, they have firmly placed themselves in the conversation for potential finalists.
With the final score at Craven Cottage reading 3-0 in favor of Crystal Palace, the Eagles will head to Wembley with their sights set on lifting the FA Cup trophy, while Fulham will regroup and focus on their league campaign.
