Eberechi Eze capped a memorable week with a goal and an assist as a clinical Crystal Palace beat London rivals Fulham 3-0 on Saturday to book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
The winger, who scored his first England goal on Monday, whipped in a brilliant opener against the run of play in the 34th minute to stun the home crowd. Four minutes later Eze's left-wing cross was headed in by Ismaila Sarr to put Palace in control of the tie.
Most of the second half was played in Palace's half as Fulham tried to respond but the hosts were caught cold again when substitute Eddie Nketiah fired a shot past Bernd Leno in the 75th minute.
While Oliver Glasner's Palace can look forward to a semi-final at Wembley and dream of winning the FA Cup for the first time in the their history, Fulham will console themselves with a push for Europe via the Premier League.
Fulham vs Crystal Palace latest news
- GOAL! Nketiah sends Eagles to Wembley
- GOAL! Sarr nods home for a quickfire double
- GOAL! Eze stunner against the run of play
Eberechi Eze believes Crystal Palace have proved they have what it takes to win the FA Cup after a statement 3-0 win away at Fulham to reach the semi-finals.
Fulham were by a distance the better team for the opening half an hour at Craven Cottage, only for Eze to score one and assist another in a four-minute double salvo for the Eagles.
Palace again had far less of the ball in the second half but rarely looked in trouble, before Eddie Nketiah came off the bench to add a third and put the result beyond doubt.
"We're confident in ourselves and we know what we can do, we know what we are capable of," Eze told ITV Sport. "It's games like today where you show the mentality which will get you further in the tournament."
Player ratings
14:26 , Alex YoungBoth teams covered by Dom Smith today. You can read Fulham here and Crystal Palace here.
Palace got a sniff for the opening half an hour, scored twice and then never looked in trouble.
Fulham have now lost five FA Cup quarter-finals in a row.
Full-time!
14:09 , Alex Young94min: Crystal Palace are heading to Wembley!
91min: Three minutes added on.
90min: Eze going off now, replaced by Franca.
89min: Third booking of the day as Clyne wastes no time.
87min: Two more changes for Palace. That was Munoz’s last act, as he’s replaced by Clyne. Devenny replaces Sarr.
85min: Munoz looks certain to ping a ball into Eze, who is wide open on the left, but delays and delays until Fulham players surround him. That would surely have been 4-0.
82min: Another roll of the dice for Fulham as Cairney replaces Iwobi.
80min: For all Fulham’s possession, they’ve barely troubled Henderson.
Dom Smith at Craven Cottage
13:50 , Alex YoungHe's hardly touched the ball, and now Nketiah has his name on the scoresheet and has the Eagles 3-0 up and cruising to Wembley.
Bassey has played him onside, and he tucks it under Leno.
GOAL!
13:49 , Alex Young75min: Game, set and match as Nketiah runs through and slots home just minutes after coming on!
74min: Lacroix booked for time-wasting.
70min: Changes for Palace. Mateta and Wharton are off, Nketiah and Kamada are on.
For Fulham, Robinson and Willian are replaced by Sessegnon and Jimenez.
CHANCE!
13:44 , Alex Young69min: How have Fulham not scored?!
Bassey looks destined to slot home from three yards but somehow the ball is cleared.
68min: Willian tries to do his best Eze impression, cutting inside and bending a shot towards the back post, but Henderson gets a strong left arm to it.
67min: First half-opening for Traore, who nicks the ball off Mitchell in the Palace final third, looks up but his low cross hits the first defender.
66min: Fulham continue to pass the ball in front of and occasionally around Palace’s midfield, but the visitors are so comfortable in their shape.
Dom Smith at Craven Cottage
13:38 , Alex YoungNo surprises there that Pereira is off and Smith Rowe is on. The Brazilian has been very poor this afternoon. What can the subs do now?
63min: Smith Rowe and Traore are on, Lukic and Pereira are off.
61min: Silva is readying some changes.
59min: Pereira may be running out of time, here, as another sloppy pass sees a move break down.
Smith Rowe will have itchy feet on the bench.
57min: Another Fulham corner, Willian again... and Palace clear.
56min: Another great move from Palace as Sarr skips away from the defence and down the right flank, Mateta is lurking in the area but he’s ignored in favour of Eze who cannot direct a header on target.
54min: Muniz fouled yet again, and his frustration is really starting to show - and I don’t blame him.
49min: Fulham have again started the half on top, with Willian winning and taking another corner, but no shot on target yet.
47min: Richards into the book with a foul from behind on Muniz.
Second half!
13:19 , Alex Young46min: Back underway. No changes.
Fulham already out. Palace making them wait.
For over half an hour, Fulham were clearly on top. Then Eze scored one and set up another inside five minutes.
Palace have one foot in a Wembley semi-final.
Half-time!
13:04 , Alex Young48min: There’s the whistle. Fulham need to regroup.
45min: Two minutes added on.
43min: Silva is now the manager cutting a frustrated figure on the sideline. He looks a bit shellshocked, and so do Fulham as Wharton dances through their midfield.
Dom Smith at Craven Cottage
12:59 , Alex YoungAnd another! It's an outstanding five-minute spell from Palace, who have one foot in a Wembley semi-final already.
Eze does well to keep it in, and Sarr gets ahead of Bassey. Sarr has been such a good signing for Palace. Only cost £12.7million from Marseille!
40min: Craven Cottage has been silenced.
GOAL!
12:56 , Alex Young39min: Oh, wow! Sarr doubles up and Palace are suddenly cruising!
Eze skips down the left, waits for Sarr to make his move to the front post and the winget just nods it past Leno. So easy!
37min: How do Fulham respond?
Dom Smith at Craven Cottage
12:54 , Alex YoungEze has been short of those superstar moments this season, and he himself would admit that. But what a goal it is.
Takes Mitchell's pass, cuts inside, and fires a curling effort off the post. It has Palace chairman Steve Parish blowing kisses in the directors' box. 1-0 Palace.
GOAL!
12:52 , Alex Young34min: Stunning from Eze to break the deadlock!
He picks up the ball about 30 yards out, spins, drops a shoulder and then curls a beauty beyond Leno via the inside of the far.
Well then.
32min: Muniz wins another free kick, this time off Lacroix.
He’s done well so far, the Fulham striker.
Dom Smith at Craven Cottage
12:48 , Alex YoungRobinson is a constant threat down the left. His ability to put a cultured cross into the box at a moment's notice is remarkable.
Combining well with Willian down that flank, though Palace have grown into this game at the other end in the past five or 10 minutes.
29min: Fulham still on top as we approach the half-hour mark.
CROSSBAR!
12:43 , Alex Young25min: Lerma smacks the woodwork with a remarkable outside-of-the-boot volley after Fulham fail to properly clear the ball!
21min: Wharton kicks out at Muniz, which sees the player hit the deck.
Very silly from Wharton, who is on a yellow. Andersen lets the referee know exactly what he thinks.
Dom Smith at Craven Cottage
12:36 , Alex YoungFine run forward from Bassey, who gets a standing ovation from many in the home end. Almost got himself an assist. Fulham certainly on top.
19min: Another fine chance for Fulham as Pereira drags a shot wide from the edge of the area, but this was all about Bassey’s run into the box to set up the chance.
15min: Early booking as Wharton is penalised for a rash foul from behind on Willian.
13min: Finally a chance for Palace as Sarr’s low cross is diverted behind.
Corner comes in, it’s headed down but Leno is there to smother.
12min: Willian again, which is met but a head and sent straight into Henderson’s grateful gloves.
Palace need to calm this down and get a foot on the ball.
11min: Willian goes deep again, Fulham work it back in and Andersen wins another corner off Lerma.
10min: Another corner for Fulham as Mitchell nods away from Muniz.
Dom Smith at Craven Cottage
12:26 , Alex YoungI expected absolutely nothing less from these two, but there is a superb atmosphere here. Both sets of fans going absolutely mental whenever they get as little as a throw-in. One of their cup runs ends in the sun by the river this afternoon.
9min: Corner comes in from Willian, and it’s dropping right at the back post but Guehi beats Bassey to the ball to clear.
Great delivery.
8min: A remarkable pass from Iwobi sends Pereira scampering through the centre, his pass out wide doesn’t quite find Willian at the first attempt but the Brazilian soon wins a corner.
6min: The atmosphere is absolutely bouncing, the home crowd in particularly buoyed by their side’s start.
4min: Fulham enojying more of the possession in these early stages.
CHANCE!
12:20 , Alex Young2min: Oh, Fulham should be ahead!
Muniz does superbly to bully Guehi and turns smartly into the area, but with time to pick his spot he bends a shot round the post.
Kick-off!
12:16 , Alex Young1min: Up and running!
Dom Smith at Craven Cottage
12:15 , Alex YoungAbsolutely stinks of pyrotechnics here. The fireworks and flame show seems to have got those inside Craven Cottage suitably in the mood for this South London derby, though.
Here they come!
Players are waiting to head onto the pitch.
The white flags, and red and blue balloons, are out in force with five minutes until kick-off.
Marco Silva speaking to ITV
12:08 , Alex Young"We have worked really hard to be here in the quarter-finals right now but we want more. We need to be our best version.
"They are a very psychical side. They are very athletic. We know them very well and they know us very well. We want to write a different story to the last game.”
A first look at Jean-Philippe Mateta's mask/helmet/headgear/ear-protector.
Match odds
11:45 , Alex YoungThe bookies are still backing Fulham as favourites today.
Match result (90 mins)
- Fulham – 7/5
- Draw – 2/1
- Crystal Palace – 2/1
(Odds via Betway.)
Those at Craven Cottage have also been treated to a partial solar eclipse!
It happens two or three times a year, when up to 40 per cent of the sun is covered by the moon.
It’s a landmark day for Marco Silva, who takes charge of his 500th game as a manager.
He’s not pulling many, if any, surprises, though Muniz getting the nod over Jimenez is perhaps one. Smith Rowe is also on the bench.
As expected, Mateta is handed a start on his return from injury for Crystal Palace. Nketiah drops to the bench.
Confirmed teams in full
11:22 , Alex YoungFulham XI: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Iwobi, Andreas Pereira, Willian; Muniz
Subs: Benda, Diop, Cuenca, Sessegnon, Reed, Cairney, Smith Rowe, Adama, Raul
Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Richards, Guehi, Lacroix; Munoz, Wharton, Lerma, Mitchell; Eze, Sarr; Mateta
Subs: Turner, Clyne, Chilwell, Kporha, Kamada, Devenny, Esse, Nketiah, Franca
Crystal Palace XI
11:16 , Alex YoungMateta starts!
The Palace.#CPFC
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) March 29, 2025
Fulham XI
11:15 , Alex YoungHere’s how the hosts look!
Marco Silva's Fulham. ⚪️#FULCRY pic.twitter.com/MS46cXlE7f
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) March 29, 2025
The Crystal Palace bus has arrived, team news to come shortly.
Our man at the ground checks in.
The Muniz-Muñoz Derby, for a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.
— Dom Smith (@MrDomSmith) March 29, 2025
Matheus França is cheered as he hops off the bus. Craven Cottage a fine setting for this one. #CPFC #FFC pic.twitter.com/sS6QuQSpt8
Silva urges Fulham to take it 'step by step' in bid for FA Cup 'dream'
10:48 , Alex YoungMarco Silva said Fulham will "take it step by step" as they look to achieve a "dream" of silverware in the FA Cup.
It has been 50 years since the Cottagers last reached a major domestic final and victory in their quarter-final meeting with Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage will confirm their spot at Wembley in a last-four clash.
They face a Palace side who claimed a 2-0 win when the teams met in west London last month.
"Our fans weren't able to see Fulham in a (domestic) final and it will be a dream for them. We love them to dream, it's a small coincidence with it being 50 years," Silva said.
"Let's take it step by step, we need to be strong in the quarter-finals.
"It sounds good because it shows the progress (the prospect of a Wembley visit). It's not a coincidence that in my first season we achieved a quarter-final, last season we achieved a semi-final in the Carabao Cup and this season we are in the quarter-finals in the FA Cup.
"It's a privilege for us and the club to be in these decisive games which can help the club take the next steps."
Sun's out
10:40 , Alex YoungIt’s a beautiful morning on the banks of the Thames.
Masked Mateta returns
10:33 , Alex YoungJean-Philippe Mateta will make his return today, but will be required to wear a mask following his ear injury.
The striker has been training all week at Palace’s Copers Cope Road training ground and spent time doing individual work away from his team-mates during the Eagles’ week-long training camp in Marbella a fortnight ago.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Eagles boss Oliver Glasner said: “He trains now for two weeks with us. Of course, always with his protection and it's also important for him to train a little bit.
“We had an internal game during the international break where he could play for 60 minutes without any problems. He's ready."
He added: “There was nothing fractured and no concussion. It was just the ear — a terrible injury — but some players have said the ear looks better than before!
“The doctor did a great job finding the right protection. They tried two or three masks. It’s approved by the Premier League and FA.
“He tried it in training. If I believed it was a problem, I wouldn’t play him."
Prediction
10:25 , Alex YoungIt will likely be a nervy encounter on the banks of the River Thames with a place at Wembley is on the line. With it also being a Saturday lunchtime game straight after an international break, it's fair to predict a slightly sluggish start.
These are two evenly matched teams, both boasting good form, but are never really a guarantee of goals - especially when playing each other. This one could go beyond 90 minutes, into extra time or even a penalty shootout.
Crystal Palace to win, after extra time.
Predicted XI
10:19 , Alex YoungCrystal Palace predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Guehi; Munoz, Wharton, Lerma, Mitchell; Eze, Lerma; Mateta
Early Crystal Palace team news
10:13 , Alex YoungJean-Philippe Mateta is available today for the first time since his horror ear injury, which required 25 stitches.
Mateta will wear a protective mask at Craven Cottage, where he is in line to start the game.
Elsewhere, Palace came through the international break unscathed.
There is, however, a slight doubt over midfielder Will Hughes, who has come down with sickness.
Glasner has tended to pick a strong XI in the FA Cup this season, whereas other Premier League managers have rested more players.
Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure are out for the season.
Predicted XI
10:04 , Alex YoungFulham predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Berge; Traore, Pereira, Iwobi; Jimenez
Early Fulham team news
09:56 , Alex YoungFulham have key midfielder Sasa Lukic available today following a ban.
Lukic served a two-game suspension after picking up his 10th yellow card of the season and could today partner Sander Berge in midfield. Centre-back Joachim Andersen is expected to line up against the club he left last summer.
In attack, manager Marco Silva must choose between Raul Jimenez or Rodrigo Muniz up front. The pair have shared game time this season, with Silva leaning on form to help with his selection decisions.
Behind them, five are competition for three midfield spots as Willian, Emile Smith Rowe, Andreas Pereira, Adama Traore and Alex Iwobi all push to start the London derby.
Long-term absentees Kenny Tete (knee), Harry Wilson (ankle) and Reiss Nelson (hamstring) remain sidelined and will not feature. Nelson is likely out for the season, while right-back Tete will be the first to return to action.
How to watch Fulham vs Crystal Palace
09:49 , Alex YoungTV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1. Kick-off is at 12:15pm GMT.
Live stream: Fans can catch the contest live online via the ITV X app and website.
Welcome
09:44 , Alex YoungGood morning and welcome to the London Standard’s LIVE coverage of the FA Cup quarter-final between Fulham and Crystal Palace.
It’s a London derby at lunchtime, and a place in one of the two Wembley semi-finals is up for grabs. Neither of these teams have ever won the competition, and this year surely presents one of their best opportunities, given the fallen giants seen so far.
Manchester City are favourites, but their form this season makes them fallible favs.
Before we start thinking ahead, let’s focus on the game at hand. Kick-off at Craven Cottage is at 12.15pm GMT, so stick with us.
