Crystal Palace suffered one of the most startling upsets of the FA Cup third round after sixth-division Macclesfield FC knocked out the defending champions with a 2–1 victory, ending the Eagles’ title defence at the first hurdle.
The result sent shockwaves through English football. Palace arrived in the competition as holders and as one of last season’s standout sides, yet they exited at the hands of a club competing far below the professional ranks.
Macclesfield, who sit 14th in the National League South, delivered a performance filled with belief, intensity, and discipline to claim the most famous result in their recent history.
Ismaïla Sarr, currently on international duty with Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations, did not feature in the match. From afar, the winger could only watch as his former club struggled to match the hunger and organisation of their lower-league opponents.
Palace opted for heavy rotation, giving opportunities to fringe players, but the decision backfired against a Macclesfield side that approached the occasion with fearless intent.
From the opening stages, the Silkmen pressed aggressively and refused to show any sign of inferiority. Their commitment paid off as they punished Palace errors and seized control of key moments.
The Eagles attempted to respond through possession and technical quality, but Macclesfield defended compactly and struck with precision when chances appeared.
The Premier League side managed to reduce the deficit, raising hopes of a late recovery, yet Macclesfield maintained their composure.
They matched Palace stride for stride in the closing minutes and protected their advantage with determination and discipline.
At the final whistle, the contrast in emotions told the story: jubilation for the non-league hosts and disbelief for the reigning champions.
For Crystal Palace, the defeat marks a bruising moment in a season that promised progress and consistency.
As holders of the trophy, expectations followed them into the competition, but the FA Cup once again delivered its reputation for unpredictability. Palace leave the tournament early, forced to refocus their ambitions elsewhere.
Macclesfield, meanwhile, earn a place in FA Cup folklore. Their victory reinforces the enduring magic of the competition, where organisation, belief, and collective spirit can overcome pedigree and resources. Against the odds, the sixth-tier side wrote a chapter that supporters will remember for generations.
