Macclesfield, England – In a result that will reverberate throughout English football, sixth-tier Macclesfield FC has stunned FA Cup holders Crystal Palace with a 2-1 victory in the third round. The historic upset, which took place on Saturday at Macclesfield's Moss Rose stadium, is being hailed as one of the greatest giant-killings in FA Cup history.
The magnitude of Macclesfield's achievement cannot be overstated. The team, currently 14th in the National League North, overcame a staggering 117 league places to defeat a Crystal Palace side that competes in the Premier League and has been vying for a Champions League qualification. Managed by John Rooney, brother of former England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, Macclesfield displayed incredible grit and determination to secure the win.
Macclesfield entered the FA Cup in the second qualifying round and had to overcome Atherton LR, Nantwich Town, Stamford AFC, AFC Totton and Slough Town to reach the third round.
The match began with Crystal Palace, who beat Manchester City to win the FA Cup last year, showing signs of Premier League quality early on, with Yeremy Pino and Christantus Uche threatening the Macclesfield goal. However, the home side grew into the game, frustrating Palace with a disciplined defensive display. Just before halftime, Macclesfield captain Paul Dawson rose highest to head home a Luke Duffy cross, sending the home fans into raptures.
The "Silkmen" doubled their lead in the 60th minute when Isaac Buckley-Ricketts capitalized on a scramble in the penalty area to flick the ball past Palace goalkeeper Walter Benitez. Despite a late free-kick from Pino in the 90th minute, Macclesfield held on for a famous victory, sparking wild celebrations among players and fans alike. Several fans invaded the pitch in celebration. Dawson and Duffy were carried by fans.
The victory was especially emotional for Macclesfield, who are still mourning the loss of their 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod, who died in a car crash in December. A banner bearing his name was displayed at the game, and his family was in attendance. John Rooney dedicated the victory to McLeod.
For Crystal Palace, the defeat marks a disappointing end to their FA Cup title defense and extends their winless run to nine games. Manager Oliver Glasner did not mince words when assessing his team's performance. Glasner, who has been linked to the Manchester United managerial position, said he had no explanation for what he witnessed and criticized his players for lacking pride and quality. He also described the defensive play that lead to Macclesfield's second goal as "slapstick". Chris Richards, a United States defender, committed a foul throw in the final minute.
Macclesfield's remarkable triumph adds another chapter to the FA Cup's rich history of upsets and will be remembered as a defining moment for the club. The team now advances to the fourth round, with fans eagerly anticipating their next challenge.
