WEMBLEY, England — Crystal Palace go head-to-head with Aston Villa this Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Wembley Stadium, a match that promises to be a thrilling FA Cup semifinal showdown.
This will mark Palace’s seventh FA Cup semifinal in their 163-year history, a record that has seen them face off against premier teams for a shot at cup glory. The Eagles last played at Wembley just over three years ago and are eager to reclaim their spot in the final.
Historically, Crystal Palace has a deep connection with the FA Cup, dating back to the inaugural tournament in 1872. That first semifinal ended in a 0-0 draw, prompting a replay, which saw the Eagles lose 3-0 to Royal Engineers.
Fast forward to 1976, Palace reached the semifinals again, triumphing over significant competitors to face Southampton, but fell short once more with a 2-0 loss. Fans still recall Palace’s heroic upset against Liverpool in 1990, where they triumphed after extra time. “On that day, we had 4-3 victory to send us through, a moment that will forever live in our hearts,” said former player Mark Bright.
In recent years, the Eagles’ nearest successful FA Cup run was in 2016 when they met Watford in the semifinals. They won that game 2-1 and advanced to a final against Manchester United, ultimately losing in a tense match. Having enjoyed a robust campaign this season, including wins over local rivals, finishing strong in cup competitions is vital.
Palace endured a tough loss in their last visit to Wembley against Chelsea, but the squad is positioned for redemption. Manager Patrick Vieira emphasized the team’s focus, stating, “We know what it takes to succeed, and we’re looking to replicate that. The semi-final is just another chance to write history for this club and make our fans proud.”
Aston Villa, under manager Unai Emery, is no stranger to the FA Cup atmosphere, having encountered notable success in past seasons. They’ve showcased resilience and skill leading up to this standout game. “Every match is a final,” said Villa midfielder John McGinn. “We are ready for the challenge that the Eagles bring at Wembley.”
The battle will kick off at 17:15 BST, and with 90,000 fans expected in attendance, the atmosphere promises an electrifying experience. Supporters have shown immense passion, with many eager to witness the showdown unfold.
The FA remains tight-lipped about future semifinal venues, but the historic significance of Wembley cannot be overstated, having hosted major football events since 2008. Past semi-finals have drawn enormous crowds, ensuring accessibility for many fans across the UK.
With local transport limitations scrutinized, the FA offered travel assistance to fans during previous encounters, demonstrating their commitment to accessibility. Jordan Henderson, former Liverpool captain, previously remarked, “It’s important we ensure that as many fans as possible can attend these monumental matches.”
This weekend’s matchup is not just about the title; it’s also about pride and the chance to make a mark in FA Cup history.
