Crystal Palace1-0
Manchester CityCrystal Palace had twice lost an FA Cup final. Against Manchester City in 2025, Eberechi Eze's finish and Dean Henderson's goalkeeping turned a third appearance into the club's first major trophy.
Another chance at Wembley
Palace's previous final appearances, in 1990 and 2016, had both ended in defeat to Manchester United. Oliver Glasner's side now faced Manchester City, a club with recent Premier League titles and FA Cup wins behind them. Palace were a Premier League opponent, but their trophy history made the contrast unmistakable.
A convincing semi-final win over Aston Villa had brought Palace to this stage. They arrived with an organised defensive structure and attackers capable of exploiting space, rather than a need to match City pass for pass.
Eze strikes, Henderson protects
Eze gave Palace an early lead, finishing Daniel Muñoz's cross after a quick attack. City dominated possession and searched for a response, but Henderson stopped Omar Marmoush's first-half penalty to preserve the advantage.
Henderson was also involved in a controversial first-half incident when he handled outside his penalty area and avoided a red card after a review. Later, a Muñoz goal was ruled out for offside. Palace therefore had to keep defending a narrow 1–0 lead rather than enjoy the cushion of a second goal.
A first major honour
City continued to press, but Palace held on. The final whistle ended the wait for a first major trophy and changed the meaning of Wembley for supporters whose earlier visits to the final had finished in disappointment.
Unlike a non-league giant-killing, this was a shock built around the difference in expectations and honours between two top-flight clubs. Palace took their chance, their goalkeeper delivered at crucial moments and their defensive effort lasted the full match. Eze's goal became the finish that turned a long-awaited opportunity into history.