Crystal Palace have pulled off the impossible. In a gripping FA Cup final at Wembley, they defeated Manchester City 1-0 to win the first major trophy in their 119-year history.

It was a day of destiny for the South London club, as Oliver Glasner’s side held their nerve against the reigning Premier League champions. A first-half strike from Eberechi Eze and a phenomenal performance by goalkeeper Dean Henderson sealed a legendary win that Palace fans will never forget.

Quick Read: Key Highlights

• Crystal Palace beat Manchester City 1-0 in the FA Cup final.

• Eberechi Eze scored the only goal of the match in the 16th minute.

• Dean Henderson made crucial saves, including a penalty stop, to preserve the lead.

• Manager Oliver Glasner becomes the first Austrian to win the FA Cup.

• This is Crystal Palace’s first-ever major trophy in 119 years.

Wembley turned purple and blue on Saturday as Crystal Palace etched their name into English football history. Facing Pep Guardiola’s star-studded Manchester City, few gave Palace a chance. But what unfolded was a masterclass in heart, tactics, and sheer determination.

The Underdogs Take Their Moment

City, as expected, dominated possession from the opening whistle. Kevin De Bruyne, possibly playing his final Wembley match in City colours, controlled the tempo early. He picked out Erling Haaland with a delightful ball, but Henderson was up to the task, pulling off a sharp save. Moments later, Josko Gvardiol forced another stop, and the Palace goal seemed under siege.

But in true underdog fashion, Palace pounced on their first real opportunity. Jean-Philippe Mateta’s physical presence in midfield set the move in motion. Daichi Kamada slipped the ball wide to Daniel Muñoz, who whipped in a low cross. Eze—cool as ever—arrived unmarked and guided a first-time finish past Stefan Ortega. Just like that, Palace were in dreamland.

City regrouped quickly and kept probing, but Palace’s defensive shape was rock solid. The game turned again just before halftime when Bernardo Silva went down in the box under pressure from Tyrick Mitchell. VAR upheld the referee’s decision, awarding City a penalty.

But Omar Marmoush’s tame spot-kick was no match for Henderson, who guessed right and saved comfortably. That moment changed the energy inside Wembley. Palace fans erupted, and Henderson grew into a giant between the posts.

Throughout the second half, City threw everything at Palace. Jeremy Doku’s curling effort was heading for the corner until Henderson got a fingertip to it. Later, teenage sensation Claudio Echeverri’s deflected shot nearly caught him off guard, but once again, the keeper stood firm.

Palace thought they had sealed it midway through the second half. A long throw caused chaos in the City box, and Muñoz smashed the ball home. But VAR intervened, ruling out the goal for offside in the buildup involving Ismaïla Sarr.

Despite the setback, Palace stayed focused. Richards, Jefferson Lerma, and Muñoz put their bodies on the line. Every clearance, every block, every tackle was met with roars from the stands. Even when Henderson had a nervy moment appearing to handle outside the box, VAR deemed it non-controversial.

Guardiola tried everything—bringing on waves of attacking players—but Palace refused to crack. As the fourth official signaled ten minutes of added time, nerves were sky-high. Yet the underdogs held their line and their belief.

A Night to Remember

When the final whistle blew, the Palace players fell to the turf, overcome with emotion. For Eze, who played a pivotal role throughout the cup run, it was a moment of personal and collective glory. For Dean Henderson, a player once questioned after moving from Manchester United, it was the performance of his life.

And for Oliver Glasner, the mastermind behind this miracle, it was validation. In just over a year in charge, he transformed Palace into disciplined, fearless contenders—and now, champions. The first Austrian manager to lift the FA Cup, he joins a prestigious list in the most memorable way possible.

Crystal Palace’s 1-0 victory over Manchester City wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. It was about grit beating glamour, tactics beating talent, and belief beating the odds. South London now has its football fairytale, and the story will be told for generations.

From heartbreak in past finals to history-makers in 2025, this FA Cup win is more than a trophy—it’s a turning point for Crystal Palace Football Club.