Crystal Palace Stun Aston Villa 3-0 to Reach FA Cup Final

London, April 26, 2025 – Crystal Palace delivered a masterclass performance at Wembley Stadium, defeating Aston Villa 3-0 in a one-sided FA Cup semifinal to secure their place in the final. Goals from Eberechi Eze, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and an own goal by Villa’s Diego Carlos capped a sensational display from Oliver Glasner’s men, who outclassed their Premier League rivals with relentless energy and clinical finishing. Palace now await the winner of the Manchester City and Tottenham semifinal, with a chance to claim their first major trophy since the 1990 Full Members’ Cup.

A Dominant First Half Sets the Tone

From the opening whistle, Crystal Palace asserted their dominance with a high-pressing game plan that suffocated Aston Villa’s midfield. Glasner’s tactical setup, featuring a dynamic 4-3-3 formation, allowed Palace to exploit Villa’s vulnerabilities on the flanks. Eberechi Eze, in scintillating form, opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a curling strike from the edge of the box after a clever interplay with Mateta. The goal sent the Palace faithful into raptures and set the tone for a commanding performance.

Villa, managed by Unai Emery, struggled to find their rhythm. Their usually potent attacking trio of Ollie Watkins, Leon Bailey, and Morgan Rogers was stifled by Palace’s disciplined backline, led by the imperious Joachim Andersen. The Eagles doubled their lead in the 34th minute when Mateta latched onto a pinpoint through-ball from Adam Wharton, powering past Ezri Konsa and slotting the ball beyond Emiliano Martínez. The Selhurst Park side went into halftime with a deserved 2-0 lead, having outshot Villa 8-2 and controlled 58% of possession.

Villa’s Collapse and Palace’s Ruthless Edge

The second half saw no let-up from Palace, who continued to press with intensity. Aston Villa’s hopes of a comeback were dealt a fatal blow in the 53rd minute when Diego Carlos inadvertently turned a low cross from Michael Olise into his own net under pressure from Mateta. The own goal encapsulated Villa’s torrid afternoon, as their defense crumbled under Palace’s relentless waves of attack.

Despite Emery’s attempts to spark a revival with substitutions, including Jacob Ramsey and Jhon Durán, Villa failed to register a single shot on target in the second half. Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson was a spectator for much of the match, comfortably dealing with Villa’s rare forays forward. Glasner’s side, by contrast, maintained their composure and could have added to their tally, with Olise and Eze both going close in the closing stages.

Glasner’s Tactical Triumph

Oliver Glasner deserves immense credit for Palace’s performance. Since taking over in February 2024, the Austrian has transformed the Eagles into a cohesive, attacking unit. His decision to start Wharton in midfield paid dividends, as the young Englishman dictated play with an assured display. Eze and Olise, Palace’s creative hubs, were given license to roam, exploiting gaps in Villa’s defense with their flair and directness.

Post-match, Glasner was effusive in his praise for his players. “This is a special moment for the club and our fans,” he said. “The boys were outstanding today – they executed the plan perfectly. We’re not done yet; we want to go all the way.” For Palace supporters, the prospect of ending a 35-year trophy drought is now tantalizingly close.

Aston Villa’s Disappointment

For Aston Villa, the defeat marks a bitter end to their FA Cup campaign. Despite a strong Premier League season, Emery’s side was undone by a combination of tactical missteps and individual errors. Martínez, usually a reliable presence, was left exposed by his defense, while midfielders Douglas Luiz and Youri Tielemans were overrun by Palace’s intensity. Emery acknowledged the defeat graciously, stating, “Palace were better today. We didn’t find our game, and they deserved to go through.”

What’s Next for Palace?

Crystal Palace now turn their attention to the FA Cup final, scheduled for May 25, 2025, at Wembley. Their opponents will be determined by the outcome of the second semifinal between Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur. Palace have history in the competition, having reached the final in 1990, where they lost to Manchester United after a replay. This time, they’ll be determined to go one step further.

The Eagles’ journey to the final has been marked by resilience and flair. Notable victories over Newcastle United and Brighton in earlier rounds showcased their ability to compete with top sides. With Glasner at the helm and a squad brimming with confidence, Palace will fancy their chances against either City or Spurs.

Fan Reactions and Historical Context

Palace fans took to social media to celebrate the historic win, with many hailing Eze and Mateta as heroes. Posts on X reflected the jubilation, with one supporter writing, “Eze is unplayable! Palace to win the Cup!” Another fan noted, “This is our time. Glasner’s got us dreaming!” The victory also sparked nostalgia among older fans, who recalled the club’s 1990 FA Cup run under Steve Coppell.

For Crystal Palace, a club with a passionate fanbase but a sparse trophy cabinet, this FA Cup final appearance represents a golden opportunity. Whether they face the juggernaut of Manchester City or the unpredictability of Tottenham, Palace have shown they can compete with the best.