Glasner’s Belief Fulfilled as Crystal Palace Stun Manchester City in FA Cup Final
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner demonstrated remarkable foresight and confidence in his squad as he led the Eagles to an unforgettable 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup Final on May 17, 2025. The result marked one of the most significant triumphs in Palace’s history and handed City a rare defeat in a domestic final.
Glasner had been vocal in the lead-up to the final, expressing quiet confidence that his side could match — and even beat — Pep Guardiola’s star-studded Manchester City if they met again before the season’s end. His prediction came true at Wembley, where Palace delivered a tactically disciplined and courageous performance to lift the trophy.
“I told the team we could beat them,” Glasner said post-match. “It was never about luck — it was about strategy, belief, and execution. Manchester City are one of the best teams in the world, but we knew that with the right plan and unity, we could make something special happen.”
From the outset, Palace approached the game with clarity and focus. Glasner had clearly studied Guardiola’s side, preparing his players to absorb pressure and break quickly on the counterattack. His side’s defensive shape and relentless pressing kept City’s vaunted attack largely at bay, frustrating stars like Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland throughout the match.
The only goal of the game came midway through the second half, when Palace capitalized on a rare City error. A swift break down the right flank saw the ball cut back into the box, where Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta coolly slotted it past Ederson. The red-and-blue corner of Wembley erupted, sensing that a historic upset was within reach.
City, stunned by the goal, pushed forward in waves for an equalizer, but Palace’s backline — marshaled superbly by Marc Guéhi and Joachim Andersen — held firm. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson made a pair of outstanding saves in the final minutes to preserve the lead and secure Palace’s first FA Cup title in 35 years.
The win not only delivered silverware to Selhurst Park but also underscored Glasner’s impact since arriving in South London. The Austrian tactician, who previously enjoyed success with Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, has brought a newfound steel and identity to the club. Under his leadership, Palace have evolved from mid-table regulars into a disciplined, ambitious side capable of taking on England’s elite.
“We showed today what this club is capable of,” said captain Marc Guéhi. “The gaffer had a plan and we stuck to it. Everyone gave 100%. This is a win for the fans, for the club, and for every player who believed we could do this.”
For Guardiola and City, the defeat was a bitter pill, ending their hopes of securing another domestic double. Though they dominated possession, they found little joy against a well-drilled Palace team determined to make history.
In the hours following the match, praise poured in for Glasner’s tactical acumen and Palace’s resilient performance. Many hailed the win as a turning point for the South London club and a statement of intent heading into next season.
As the confetti fell and the Palace squad lifted the trophy under the Wembley arch, Glasner smiled calmly — not in surprise, but in satisfaction.
“I told them we could do it,” he said again. “And they believed me.”
Crystal Palace’s FA Cup triumph will long be remembered not only for the result but for the belief and strategy that made it possible. In a football landscape often dominated by the usual powerhouses, this was a day where determination, preparation, and heart won out.
