Crystal Palace beat Aston Villa to reach FA Cup final

Crystal Palace reached the FA Cup final in spectacular style as Eberechi Eze and Ismaila Sarr fired them to a fully deserved victory over Aston Villa at Wembley on Saturday.

Eze broke the deadlock after 31 minutes, rifling a magnificent shot high past Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez from the edge of the penalty area.

Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell miskicked in front of an open goal before the break, and Jean-Philippe Mateta then missed a penalty, glancing his effort off the post.

However, the Eagles continued to press for a second goal, which arrived after 58 minutes when Sarr advanced powerfully before drilling a low shot from 22 yards into the bottom left corner, with Martinez unable to reach it.

Between the two goals, Palace were grateful for the outstanding work of goalkeeper Dean Henderson, who produced superb saves from John McGinn and Lucas Digne as Villa pushed for an equaliser.

Despite Villa’s pressure, Palace’s defence held firm, and Sarr wrapped up the win deep into stoppage time by racing clear and beating Martinez once again.

This victory means manager Oliver Glasner has led Palace to their third FA Cup final—and their first since 2016. The Eagles, who have never lifted the trophy, will face either Manchester City or Nottingham Forest.