Crystal Palace reached their third FA Cup final as they thrashed Aston Villa 3-0 at Wembley in front of 35,500 Eagles fans.
Contesting just the sixth FA Cup semi-final in their history, Oliver Glasner’s side took the lead through Eberechi Eze’s stunning strike in the first half.
They then suffered agony when Jean-Philippe Mateta struck wide of the post with a penalty, but Ismaila Sarr was on hand to fire home their crucial second goal five minutes later.
Palace then scored again in stoppage time, with Sarr grabbing his second, to make absolutely sure of a resounding victory and their place in the final.
They will face the winner of Sunday’s second semi-final, which is being contested between Manchester City and Nottingham Forest.
Standard Sport’s Dom Smith was at Wembley to rate the Palace players’ performances…
Dean Henderson 8
One of Palace’s best performers on a historic day. Made some exceptional saves, particularly from Lucas Digne’s long-range volley. Deserved his clean-sheet.
Chris Richards 7
Some huge interceptions and clearances from the American, on his first trip to Wembley.
Maxence Lacroix 7
This was also a first experience of playing at Wembley for Lacroix, but the Frenchman stood firm and won some important defensive headers.
Marc Guehi 7
One lovely turn out of trouble early in the first half helped give Palace confidence. The Englishman did well.
Daniel Munoz 6
Not the Colombian’s best display in a Palace shirt, but a tireless outing from a player who seems to never stop running.
Adam Wharton 7
Put in some crucial tackles in midfield and looked beyond his years as he distributed the ball responsibly.
Daichi Kamada 7
It was a massive call by Glasner to start Kamada ahead of Will Hughes or Jefferson Lerma in midfield but it paid off. The Japanese midfielder put in one of his best displays and almost earnt an assist, but for Sarr to head a late chance wide.
Tyrick Mitchell 7
Shown a slightly harsh booking for hauling back Morgan Rogers as the winger broke away down the right, but recovered to produce a hugely energetic and mature display. Subbed off late on and rightly applauded loudly.
Ismaila Sarr 8
He cost, let me remind you, just £12.7million last summer. What a signing. Sensational on the counter-attack at Wembley, scoring a bullet from distance to make sure Palace reached the final.
PALACE HAVE ANOTHER. SARR HAS ANOTHER. 🤯@CPFC are heading to the 2024-25 #EmiratesFACup Final 🦅🏆 pic.twitter.com/OAvdDZVYtz
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) April 26, 2025
Eberechi Eze 8
Produced his finest moment in five years as a Palace player when he struck gold in the first half with his magnificent effort from distance. Then just had fun for the rest of the afternoon as Palace’s creative lynchpin.
Jean-Philippe Mateta 6
He ran the line superbly, showing skill to beat Matty Cash, and bringing the ball forward bravely. But had to lose a mark or two for his penalty miss, a slightly more serious offence than having a spot-kick saved by the goalkeeper. Regouped straight away, though, and got back to it... and it didn’t matter anyway, in the end.
Subs:
Eddie Nketiah (Mateta, 79’) N/A
Did brilliantly to assist Sarr’s second.
Ben Chilwell (Mitchell, 84’) N/A
Jefferson Lerma (Eze, 88’) N/A
Will Hughes (Wharton, 88’) N/A
Not used: Ward, Clyne, Esse, Turner, Devenny
