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By HARRY BAMFORTH and OLIVER HOLT AT WEMBLEY STADIUM and IAN LADYMAN AT WEMBLEY STADIUM and CRAIG HOPE AT WEMBLEY STADIUM and JACK GAUGHAN AT WEMBLEY STADIUM and AADAM PATEL AT WEMBLEY STADIUM Published: 23: 30 AEST, 17 May 2025 | Updated: 02: 59 AEST, 18 May 2025 223 View comments Follow Mail Sport's live blog of the FA Cup final for the latest score, team news and updates as Crystal Palace take on Manchester City inside Wembley Stadium. We have our first yellow card of the final. Daniel Munoz has kicked into another gear now, and he is having a field day on the counter. He races into the Manchester City half, driving Palace forward, until he is stopped by the arm of Nico O'Reilly. The youngster is booked. This game has calmed down a little now. I, for one, am glad, just so I can get a little bit of respite before what I'm sure will be a chaotic finish. This final has been mental, really mental. You wouldn't know it based on the scoreline, but trust me, it has. Still 25 minutes to go. .. What is going on? ?? I have never seen this before, the medical staff from both teams are going at it. .. it's chaos in the technical area. It all kicks off as Marc Guehi is forced off due to the head injury he sustained earlier, and Jefferson Lerma comes on. I mean, I never thought I would see the day when two doctors and physios started going at it. A massive let-off for Manchester City! Oh, hang on. .. The ball comes off Ismaila Sarr from Dabiel Munoz's initial effort, and he is miles off. I have no doubt that this will be chalked off. .. sorry Palace fans. PANDEMONIUM FOR PALACE! Let alone surviving, Crystal Palace are thriving. Daniel Munoz taps them into a two-goal lead in the cup final. A long throw causes chaos in the City boss, Daniel Munoz has deflected effort saved, but he reacts quickest to then prod home. Limbs in the Palace end. Crystal Palace players are putting their bodies on the line here. They are camped deep in their box as the onslaught continues, and they are just about surviving. Bernardo Silva looks like he is in down the left, and goes to slide the ball across goal. But Daichi Kamada comes from nowhere and somehow gets in the way at the vital moment. Big block! Oliver Glasner and Co can breathe a sigh relief. Marc Guehi has had his treatment, done his 30 seconds on the sidelines, and now he can continue. He may be frazzled for a bit, but he seems OK on the whole. Marc Guehi looks in a spot of bother here. After the Eberechi Eze chance, the Crystal Palace captain was caught flush in the face with the ball. Adam Wharton was the culprit and smashed it into the noggin of his captain, and since then, Guehi has been receiving treatment. They will be desperately hoping he can continue. How big could that block be? Eberechi Eze has his head in his hands, he thought he was about to bag his brace and set Crystal Palace on their way to the trophy. The ball drops his way in the box following a long throw, and he connects so sweetly with the ball, walloping it toward the bottom corner. But Manuel Akanji produces a vital block, stopping the ball nestling into the bottom corner. That was going in. .. Oooooft. .. . now that is close. Jeremy Doku netted here at Wembley last season, and he seems desperate to do the same again this. The winger is having so much joy down the City left, ripping Danile Munoz apart at times. He manages to work some space by cutting inside and he sets his sights on the top corner, but the ball bends just over the bar. For a second, I thought that was in. This is going to be a long half for Crystal Palace. .. It's already a siege as Manchester City come flying out of the traps in this second half. Jeremy Doku has a shot blocked by Chris Richards, and then all heel breaks loose in the area. Palace manage to get in clear in the end, but it already feels like twitchy bum time. Oliver Glasner is the coolest man inside Wembley. The teams are back out for the second half, and you'd think he would be bricking it a little bit. Even if he doesn't want to admit it. But nope, he is laughing and joking with the crowd before the whistle is blown. How long will he be smiling? Now, let's move away from Dean Henderson. .. I think it's about time we take a look at how Crystal Palace took the lead instead, don't you? Palace had only crossed the halfway line once before Eberechi Eze scored this goal. They had barely had a kick. But with one counter, they hit Manchester City where it hurts, and what a goal it was. The limbs from the Palace fans, too. .. wow. Wayne Rooney, 2016 FA Cup winner, on BBC Sport: Now, while Dean Henderson has been a hero today, there is a massive debate over whether he should even be on the pitch still. 10 minutes before the penalty, Henderson pushed the ball away outside the box as Erling Haaland rounded him. VAR took a look, but decided that the cover of Maxence Lacroix means that he has not stopped a goalscoring opportunity. Well, Wayne Rooney doesn't agree. He has just gone absolutely mental on the BBC's coverage. What do you think? By Harry Bamforth We simply need to talk about this bloke. Dean Henderson is having the game of his life; he is the only reason Crystal Palace are still in this game, let alone leading. It's not just the penalty stop, but all the other saves he has made, the first one coming inside seven minutes. This may be remembered as the Henderson final for many years to come, if Palace win. But should he still be on the pitch? Crystal Palace survive the onslaught! It's been all Manchester City here at Wembley, but they go into the break trailing the Eagles. Palace took the one opportunity they got on the break, and when City got a big one from the spot, they fluffed it. What a hectic half of footie. Manchester City have three minutes to try and get back into this before the break. At this rate, Dean Henderson will deny them another three times in that time. By Aadam Patel At Wembley Stadium What did Dean Henderson have for breakfast? ?? This is one of THE Wembley performances. Henderson is having an absolute blinder in goal. This time he makes a stunning stop to deny Jeremy Doku bending a pearler into the top corner. This is incredible stuff, I need to know what food Henderson eats before games. .. I want some. Crystal Palace need to just survive until half-time. That penalty miss hasn't changed the momentum in this game; Manchester City are still all over them. You feel like a goal is coming sooner rather than later, but half-time is very nearly here. Can City score at the perfect time? By Aadam Patel At Wembley Stadium Why did Erling Haaland not take that? I know that the Norwegian doesn't have the best record with spot kicks recently, but I am stunned he gave the ball up there. Imagine if he hadn't. Maybe they would be level. DEAN HENDERSON THE HERO! The Crystal Palace end goes absolutely mental as Henderson gets low to deny Omar Marmoush from the spot. Erling Haaland decides to pass the ball to the Egyptian, he takes a lifetime to get ready, and then opts to go toward the bottom left corner. But Henderson gets low and makes a huge stop. Tyrick Mitchell, what are you doing? I said that Dean Henderson had a brain fart earlier, well, Mitchell's is even worse. Bernardo Silva is going nowhere, and Mitchell is silly enough to slide in and give away a penalty. And City have the chance to go level. Right, we have gone back to boring Manchester City possession. Get your eye masks out; this bit of the game may cause you to need a nap. If I weren't working, I might be sleeping now. City are just knocking the ball about while Crystal Palace soak up pressure again. Does that mean it will be 2-0 soon, then? Dean Henderson, you lucky, lucky boy. .. The Crystal Palace man gets away with a slap on the wrist, and he has Maxence Lacroix to thank for that. The defender was covering Henderson as Erling Haaland won the ball, so he was not the last man. That means no red card, after a VAR check. Relief for Palace. Oh, Dean Henderson. .. The Crystal Palace is in a lot of trouble here, he has had the brain fart fo all brain farts in the final. Erling Haaland goes to take the ball around him, and Henderson opts to try and push the ball away outside of his box. Is this a red card? VAR is taking a look. .. Oh, football. .. you just have to love it. There was Craig and I moaning about this game being boring, and Manchester City having all the ball. In a blink of an eye, the game has completely changed. Cyrtsal Palace are in confident mood all of a sudden, and they are causing City all sorts of problems. We have a final on our hands now! That goal has completely changed this game. It's completely opened up and now Palace are having a field day on the counter. The Londoners win the ball deep and get on their bikes again, with Ismaila Sarr getting on the end of another flowing move. This time, though, he can't turn it home and Stefan Ortega keeps Manchester City in this game. This game has sprung into life, thankfully. By Aadam Patel At Wembley Stadium A BOLT FROM THE BLUE! You just couldn't write it. Crystal Palace take the lead in the FA Cup final against the run of play, and boy, have they escaped that chokehold in some style. It just had to be Eberechi Eze, too, as he drills the ball into the back of the net following a stunning counter. Who says you need lots of the ball to score, eh? Palace have had none of it, but are now in front on the biggest stage. Bedlam in the Palace end. By Aadam Patel At Wembley Stadium Another chance for Manchester City! This is a golden one as well. .. oh wait, I haven't quite seen that right, I don't think. It looks as though Savinho misses a header from just six yards out, but a corner is given and it turns out he doesn't even touch it. Palace are just about surviving here. Dean Henderson is going to be a busy boy today. .. I mean, he already is, the Crystal Palace man is already forced to make his second stop of the game. This one is fairly routine, though, as he beats away a Josko Gvardiol header following a corner. Crystal Palace aren't getting a single second to rest, this is relentless. I have to say, I agree with Craig. I knew that Manchester City would have most of the ball, but my word, this is silly. Crystal Palace can't keep it for more than five seconds when they get it. Ismaila Sarr just loses it and screams for a foul, but nothing is given. Not the best spectacle. .. That's a great save from Dean Henderson! Just as I was saying they don't look threatening, Manchester City very nearly makes me eat my words. Kevin De Buryne whips a gorgeous ball into the back stick where Erling Haaland is steaming in. Haaland then does a Haaland thing y somehow getting his leg up to head height like a gymnast to volley the ball toward goal. It's a great effort, but Henderson reacts brilliantly to deny him. By Aadam Patel At Wembley Stadium This is exactly how I expected this game to start. Manchester City are having all the ball, knocking it about with confidence, as Crystal Palace retreat. That's all they are doing, though, passing. Palace don't exactly look like they are under threat, for now at least. They are just waiting for a mistake to pounce on so they can counter. Is this game being played at Selhurst Park? Honestly, I can barely hear myself think because of just how loud the Crystal Palace fans are being. It almost feels like a home game for them with the amount of noise they are generating behind that goal. It's quite something, I have to say. And now. .. it's time to get nervous. Well, if you are a fan of either Manchester City or Crystal Palace, anyway. The waiting is over. Both teams have a final huddle before taking to their positions, and now we are finally underway. Who will end the day with their name on the cup? Oh, don't you just love the FA Cup final! The teams are out and the cheers as they come out nearly burst my eardrums. It is so loud inside of here. Prince William then comes out to greet both teams, and I bet he is a little miffed at all the Crystal Palace players. If it wasn't for them, he would have been shaking the hands of his beloved Aston Villa's biggest stars. What an experience that would have been for him. Oh well, he isn't. And instead, he is putting on a brave face. The national anthem is then sung beautifully, and you can see Jean-Philippe Mateta's big smile. He is loving this experience. It's nearly go-time now. The Crystal Palace fans have turned up! My word, their end is one hell of a spectacle right now, with flags being waved and a banner of an eagle being shown. They put on quite the show in the semi-final and are doing the same today. The Palace fans are creating some atmosphere. The roar from that end right now is deafening, it really is. Right, all afternoon I have been asking how excited you all are, and you must all be buzzing now. The warm-ups have been wrapped up, the fans are flocking in, and the atmosphere is building to its peak. You can't not be excited now. It's very nearly show time, and I just wish we could press fast forward on life to that first whistle. But first, we have to enjoy the pre-match show. Erling Haaland really doesn't enjoy playing at Wembley. .. I know, I know, for a bloke that plays there so often, and wins there too, you think that he would do. But honestly, you are going to be shocked when you hear about his record at the National Stadium. Haaland has played there five times with Manchester City in three seasons, with City winning four of those matches. However, Haaland didn't find the back of the net in any of them. That's right, Haaland has never scored at Wembley. For someone who bangs goals in for fun, it's quite crazy to think that he has never done so here. Well, there is no time like the present to change that. Right, guys, it's time we hear what you have to say. Kick-off is closing in at some pace now, we are now less than 30 minutes from this final getting underway. I simply can; 't wait. That means I don't have much time to get content in before I have to cover the match. So, with that in mind, I simply have to hear your thoughts now. Who do you want to win this FA Cup final? Most of the people I have spoken to want Crystal Palace, with one even 'begging' that they beat Manchester City today. That seems to be the vibe. But what do you want to happen? Vote below: Clinton Morrison, former Crystal Palace striker, on BBC Radio 5 Live: What a player Eberechi Eze is - he is one of my favourite ballers within the English game. I adore watching him. Eze is the classic case of a confidence player. At the start of the season, he seemed miles off his game, and with each passing poor performance, it only got worse. However, recently it has been quite the opposite. Now, with each passing game, he just gets better and better. The Crystal Palace man is on absolute smoke at the moment. Eze is in the form of his life. It's almost like he has wings; that's how much he is flying. Eze has five goals in his last four games, which included a banger in the semi-final against Aston Villa. He didn't even celebrate; he was the coolest man inside Wembley. Today feels like it has the potential to be the Eze final. He hasn't had the easiest journey to the top, but now he is here and thriving. I can't wait to see him in action today. It must feel like de ja vu for Manchester City, right? I mean, my colleague Craig just said that he feels Tuesday's match with Bournemouth is more important to City than today's final. And well, this is another reason why he may be right. This is the third year in a row that Pep Guardiola's side have travelled to Wembley for the FA Cup final. That's not normal, not in the slightest. It's almost like their second home at this point. So yeah, it won't feel as special as it does for Crystal Palace. City won the cup against Manchester United in 2023, before losing to their rivals in a repeat of the final last year. How will this one go? I mean, I am shocked, I can't lie. Rico Lewis is one of the reasons that Manchester City are even in this final, and yet he is not even in the squad today. That has to sting. Look, I understand why he has not been selected in the starting line-up, but not even getting the nod for the bench is quite mental. Why has Pep Guardiola snubbed him? It surely thrusts his future at the club into doubt now. Is this Guardiola's way of saying that he is no longer needed? To me, it feels like it does. The same goes for James Mc Atee. Pep Guardiola has taken a huge risk with that line-up. I know that Manchester City have a lot of attacking talent, but it feels like he has tried to shoehorn them all in. What is telling about that, mind, is that Phil Foden and Jack Grealish still can't get into the side, despite Guardiola's tactics. I can't lie, I don't know why he has gone with the midfield two that he has. Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva don't exactly have legs these days, and they are used to driving the team forward from the front end of the pitch. It's almost like Guardiola has gone, 'sod defending', I just want to go and outscore Crystal Palace. It's going to be entertaining to watch, that's for sure. Jeez. .. Pep Guardiola is not holding back in the slightest. Just look at how attacking this side is. Not a holding midfielder in sight, just pure vibes, as Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva sit in the middle of the park. And the forward line, boy, is it strong. Expect goals. What did I tell you? Adam Wharton does indeed come straight back in after overcoming his ankle problem. He partners Daichi Kamada in the middle, while of course, Eberechi Eze also starts. Not a bad team, eh? With the team news coming out soon, we have to talk about this guy. Crystal Palace were without Adam Wharton when they traveled to Tottenham last week due to a knock. I mean, it's not like they needed him anyway, is it? Well, they could certainly do with him today. Oliver Glasner confirmed that Wharton will be in the squad in some capacity today after completing a full week of training. However, whether he is given the nod to start or has to bide his time on the bench is yet to be seen. I have a sneaky suspicion he will be lobbed straight back in. .. Alan Shearer, former Newcastle striker, speaking to Betfair: If you aren't excited after seeing these pictures, I can't help you. Crystal Palace have arrived at Wembley, and I can't lie, all I can think about is how hot they must be in those suits. Like, they must be absolutely boiling with all of those layers on. Oliver Glasner and his players are just taking in the occasion as they make their way onto the pitch. I wonder what is going through all of their heads right now? Right, how excited are we all? We are just over an hour from kick-off now, and I, for one, and sitting here just shaking with excitement. Now, that might sound dramatic, but I am not joking. I have had to go back and retype a lot of this because the shakes are causing me to miss keys. Not great. I'm sure that every single fan in these pictures is feeling the same as they make their way to Wembley. However, with them, nerves will also be involved. I mean, would you look at that view? Yesterday I was at Stamford Bridge and just couldn't shut up about how lovely the weather was, and how nice it was making the viewing experience from the press box. And well, this is just another level. It's an absolutely stunning day over in north London. My colleague Craig Hope has kindly taken a quick video to show you all his view for the day, and what a lucky bloke he is, eh? It doesn't get much better than that. Goals, goals, goals. .. The theme of this FA Cup final is that we should expect to be entertained. Both teams have been involved in goal-fests in the competition this season. City's route to Wembley hasn't exactly been the hardest, it has to be said, but they always managed to squeak by. Here is their full road to Wembley: Chris Sutton, It's All Kicking Off! co-host, on BBC Sport: So, how did Crystal Palace find themselves at Wembley then? It's fair to say it has been a memorable ride, which has seen them belt in goals for fun. I mean, they have been pretty damn dominant in this competition all season. In the five rounds they had to surpass to get to the final today, Oliver Glasner's side only conceded one goal. Yes, you read that right. They have been on another level. Here is their full route to the final: Just look at the scenes. .. This video of Crystal Palace fans was taken at midday, and based on my knowledge of London, it looks like they are all by Covent Garden. Tell me if I'm wrong. It seems like a party atmosphere down there. The flares are out, songs are being sung, and the fans are having a whale of a time before heading to Wembley. While there can only be one winner in the final, the day out for supports of both teams is just as memorable as lifting the trophy. Palace fans won't be forgetting this day in a hurry, that's for sure. This really is the perfect day for an FA Cup final. I'm not sure it's even possible for the final day to be grim; it just always seems to be sunny, year after year. Wembley is bathed in sunshine, there is barely even a cloud in the sky, and it feels miles hotter than the 19 degrees that my weather app tells me it is. Trust me, if you are making your way up to north London, bring a hat, sunglasses, and most importantly, sun cream. I know I sound like a parent here, but if you forget them, you may leave looking like the red seats you can see in this picture. Gotta love this sort of weather, eh? Pep Guardiola, Man City boss, speaking on Friday: All good things have to come to an end at some point, eh? If you have been watching Manchester City a lot this season, then you will know that they are nowhere near the side that has been picking up Premier League's for fun over the last few years. Times are a-changing for Pep Guardiola and his team; a new dawn is just around the corner. And despite just how horrific this season has been for City, by their standards at least, they still have the chance to lift a trophy at the end of it all. No matter how bad they are, silverware is always a possibility. With the likes of Kevin De Bruyne nearing the exit door and Bernardo Silva declining, it feels as though this is the final chance for this incredible generation of players to win a trophy in blue. You know when they say, 'one for the road' when talking about a final drink with your mates. Well, it feels like that, but in footballing terms. This Manchester City side will be one that is talked about for years, and years to come. They have won everything there is to win, smashing all sorts of records in the process. Is it time for them to go out with a bang? Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace boss, speaking ahead of the game: 119. Why is that number significant? Well, that's how long Crystal Palace have been in existence. The club was founded in 1905 and been on one hell of a rollercoaster. However, in all of that time, and despite all of the highs they have had, the club have still never won a trophy. I know, I know, it's mental to me too. For a club who have been so present at the top of English football, to not have tasted the sweet nectar of silverware is pretty crazy. But then again, we know how hard it has been for clubs to break into that 'Big Six' until recent years. It's not like they haven't had chances, though. You all know of the famous Alan Pardew boogie, don't you? Well, that was a celebration during the 2016 FA Cup final, which they ended up losing in extra time to Manchester United. Good moves, but he wasn't dancing by the end. They also lost to United in 1990 in this competition. So, is it third time lucky for Palace? Is this finally their year? They have been hurt twice before by a Manchester side, and I bet my bottom dollar on the fact that the fans don't want to go through that pain again. Winning this competition would mean absolutely everything to the fans. We saw the celebrations when Newcastle won the Carabao Cup earlier this season, and they would be similar in the Palace end today if they do the same. This. Is. Massive. Now, this is what it's all about. My routine in these blogs is usually to get stuck into previewing the two teams involved in the early posts. Not today. Why? Well, the FA Cup final is huge for the fans, and I have already seen countless pictures of fans descending on Wembley. Just look at them, they are buzzing. I mean, for the City fans, this is their gazillionth trip down to the National Stadium in the past few years, and even they are still excited for the day. Says everything, doesn't it? Whatever happens, it's going to be a belting day out for all involved. Everyone, drop what you are doing right now. .. it's the big day. You may have plans, but I'm telling you, it's time to cancel. Meeting some old friends for a spot of lunch? Not anymore. You simply can't miss the FA Cup final. Yes, I know that people say the competition doesn't mean as much as it used to, but is that really true? This season, it feels like the magic of the cup has truly returned, after years of being away. We have had many a giant-killing, little fish have swum through the rounds, and now you could argue that one of them is ready to take down the biggest of them all. .. a shark. Well, that's if you class Crystal Palace as a little fish. In my head, they are. While they may be a Premier League side who have been competing for Europe this season, they have still never got their hands on silverware in the club's history. Meanwhile, they are facing off against what you could call a falling giant, sort of, in Manchester City. A great side whose best years are seemingly behind, but they still know how to get the job done. The buzz around Wembley is nearly as loud as the time I accidentally hit a wasp's nest in my garden while climbing a tree. As you can imagine, that didn't end well. This type of buzz is not one to be afraid of - and it doesn't sting - it's one to be excited about. Thousands of hopeful fans are descending on Wembley, and the anticipation is simply killing me. So, without further ado, let's get cracking, shall we? I remember in the 70s and 80s FA Cup final day use. ..

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