Crystal Palace reached the FA Cup final for the first time in nine years as Ismaila Sarr’s double and a rocket from Eberechi Eze sealed a 3-0 win against Aston Villa at Wembley on Saturday.

Oliver Glasner’s side took the lead in the semi-final through Eze’s long-range blast before Sarr netted twice in the second half.In the final on May 17, Palace will face Nottingham Forest or Manchester City, who meet in the second semi-final on Sunday.

The Eagles have never won the FA Cup, losing their two final appearances against Manchester United in 2016 and 1990.

“All the credit to the players. They had to work so hard. They had to overcome a few difficult moments,” Glasner said.

“We got more control and it was an unbelievable performance. The players stuck to the plan and we never lost our heads.

“I don’t know at the moment how I feel — a bit exhausted. The players have four days off now. They should enjoy the moment.”

Crystal Palace’s English midfielder #10 Eberechi Eze celebrates a after scoring the opening goal of the English FA Cup semi-final football between Crystal Palace and Aton Villa at Wembley Stadium in north London on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Villa, who last won the FA Cup in 1957, were hoping to make the final for the first time since 2015.

But Unai Emery’s team produced a dismal display and will have to settle for fighting to qualify for the Champions League via a top five finish in the Premier League.

“When they scored the first goal it was more difficult for us and we only reacted after 2-0 and then we created more chances to score and we didn’t do. In transition they are very good, and they deserve to win,” Emery said.

“Sorry to our supporters because they were motivated. We have to accept it. We have to be quick to react because in the league we have the most important objective.”

Sarr sparkles

Crystal Palace’s Senegalese midfielder #07 Ismaila Sarr celebrates after scoring their second goal during the English FA Cup semi-final football between Crystal Palace and Aton Villa at Wembley Stadium in north London on April 26, 2025. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP)

Sarr found Eze and the midfielder curled a superb strike beyond the reach of Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Torres looked for an instant reply when he nodded just over the crossbar.

Konsa came closer, forcing Dean Henderson into a low save with a header of his own from a corner.

Villa piled on more pressure after the restart when Henderson made another fine save to deny John McGinn’s sharp volley, then Lucas Digne fired narrowly wide through a crowd of players.

Palace were awarded a 53rd-minute penalty after Eze was tugged down by Boubacar Kamara and Mateta stepped up to the spot after a VAR check, but his shot clipped the post and went wide.

Just as Villa started to gain momentum, Adam Wharton intercepted a pass and, after a quick touch from Mateta, Sarr fired into the bottom corner.

Henderson repelled a blast from Villa substitute Leon Bailey, moments after Mateta slid in to deny Ross Barkley.

Sarr nodded Eze’s cross off target, while Matty Cash’s attempt to claw a late goal back for Villa sailed wide.

Sarr put the seal on Palace’s impressive performance in stoppage-time, outpacing Konsa before slotting home to send the Eagles into the final.

AFP