Crystal Palace vs Aston Villa FA Cup Report

Scorers: Eze 31’, Sarr 58’ 90+4’

Crystal Palace produced a sensational performance at Wembley to beat Aston Villa 3-0, reaching the FA Cup final for only the third time in their history. Ismaïla Sarr’s brace and Eberechi Eze’s opener were enough to end Villa’s hopes of silverware this season, as Palace extended their unbeaten run in H2Hs to five matches.

First Half – Palace Grab the Initiative

In what was initially a cagey and uneventful start, with yellow cards dominating the early narrative, it was Palace who eventually found their rhythm. After surviving a scare when Morgan Rogers volleyed narrowly wide from a teasing Lucas Digne cross, the Eagles took control. Although Jean-Philippe Mateta had a goal disallowed for a foul on Ezri Konsa, the breakthrough soon came.

Ismaïla Sarr teed up Eberechi Eze, who struck a superb low drive from the edge of the area to put Palace ahead.

Tyrick Mitchell missed a golden opportunity to double the lead before the break, miskicking from close range after another Sarr delivery, but Palace nevertheless entered HT with a deserved advantage.

Second Half – Palace Power to Victory

Villa were handed a huge reprieve early in the second half when Mateta struck the post with a penalty after Boubacar Kamara fouled Eze. However, Palace’s dominance eventually told, as Sarr capitalised on Adam Wharton’s industrious pressing, smashing a long-range drive beyond Emiliano Martínez to make it 2-0.

Although Villa pressed to mount a late comeback, Palace were comfortable and could have put the tie beyond all doubt earlier when Sarr headed wide from close range. The Senegalese forward did eventually wrap things up deep into stoppage time, finishing off a devastating counter-attack with a powerful third goal.

What It Means

Crystal Palace’s emphatic win sees them book a spot in the 2025 FA Cup final, where they will meet either Nottingham Forest or Manchester City. Meanwhile, Aston Villa must refocus on securing a top-five Premier League finish and a return to the UEFA Champions League next season.

Key Facts

• Crystal Palace reach the FA Cup final for the third time in their history (previously in 1990 and 2016).
• Ismaïla Sarr has now scored five goals in his last seven appearances across all competitions.
• Aston Villa suffer a third defeat in their last six matches in all competitions, denting their momentum heading into the Premier League run-in.

For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Fixtures – Emirates FA Cup – Competitions | The Football Association