Crystal Palace Breaks 9-Year Jinx, Reaches FA Cup Finals

Crystal Palace has reached the FA Cup final for the first time in nine years, defeating Aston Villa 3-0 in the semi-final at Wembley Stadium on.

The Eagles’ victory was sealed by a double from Ismaila Sarr and a stunning long-range goal from Eberechi Eze.

The match got off to a thrilling start, with Eze scoring a spectacular goal from outside the box in the 26th minute.

The midfielder’s shot curled past Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, giving Palace an early lead.

Villa struggled to respond, with their best chance coming from a header by Pau Torres that sailed just over the crossbar. The Villans continued to push for an equalizer, but Palace’s defense held strong, with goalkeeper Dean Henderson making several crucial saves to deny Villa’s attacks.

The second half saw Villa come out with renewed energy, but Palace’s defense remained solid. In the 53rd minute, Palace was awarded a penalty after Eze was fouled by Boubacar Kamara, but Jean-Philippe Mateta’s shot hit the post and went wide.

Just as Villa was starting to gain momentum, Palace struck again.

In the 65th minute, Adam Wharton intercepted a pass and played a quick touch to Mateta, who found Sarr. The Senegalese forward fired a low shot into the bottom corner, doubling Palace’s lead.

Villa continued to push for a goal, but Palace’s defense remained strong. In stoppage time, Sarr sealed the win with his second goal, outpacing Villa defender Ezri Konsa before slotting the ball past Martinez.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner was overjoyed with his team’s performance. “All the credit to the players. They had to work so hard. They had to overcome a few difficult moments,” he said. “We got more control and it was an unbelievable performance. The players stuck to the plan and we never lost our heads.”

Villa manager Unai Emery was disappointed with his team’s display. “When they scored the first goal, it was more difficult for us, and we only reacted after 2-0,” he said. “In transition, they are very good, and they deserve to win. Sorry to our supporters because they were motivated. We have to accept it. We have to be quick to react because in the league, we have the most important objective.”

Palace will face either Nottingham Forest or Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 17. The Eagles have never won the FA Cup, losing their two previous final appearances in 2016 and 1990.

“We’re delighted to be in the final,” Glasner said. “We’ll enjoy this moment, and then we’ll focus on the final. We’ll give it our all and see what happens.”