Palace Progress to FA Cup Semis with Convincing Victory Over Fulham

Crystal Palace reached the FA Cup semi-finals with a dominant 3-0 victory over Fulham. Stay up-to-date with the latest FA Cup updates, scores, and news.

Eberechi Eze stole the show as Crystal Palace secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Saturday. Eze, fresh from scoring his first England goal against Latvia on Monday, opened the scoring with a breathtaking strike from outside the box, showcasing his exceptional skill and technique.

Eze's goal sparked a flurry of Palace attacks, and just four minutes later, he turned provider, delivering a pinpoint assist for Ismaila Sarr to double the visitors' lead. The scoreline remained 2-0 until the second half, when Eddie Nketiah, introduced as a substitute, added a third goal to seal Palace's progression to the semi-finals.

Crystal Palace's resurgence under Oliver Glasner has been nothing short of remarkable. After a challenging start to the season, the Eagles have transformed into one of England's most in-form teams, rising to 12th in the Premier League table. Their impressive away form has been a key factor in this turnaround, with Palace having won their last six games on the road, including a 2-0 victory at Craven Cottage last month. With this momentum, Palace will be confident in their ability to win the FA Cup for the first time in their history.

Crystal Palace welcomed back French striker Jean-Philipi Mateta to their lineup for the first time in four weeks, following an ear injury that required 25 stitches. Mateta's return was a boost to the team, but it was Eberechi Eze who stole the show with his decisive contributions.

Eze's individual brilliance was on full display as he scored the opening goal and provided an assist for the second. The 26-year-old cut inside on his favored right foot to curl the ball into the net, scoring Palace's first goal in the 34th minute. Just minutes later, Eze showcased his versatility by delivering a precise left-footed cross for Ismaila Sarr to head in at the near post.

This is what football is all about 🥰

Watch Oliver Glasner's post-match interview ⤵️#CPFC

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) March 29, 2025

Palace manager Oliver Glasner was effusive in his praise for Eze's performance. “It's unbelievable - the individual quality,” Glasner said, highlighting Eze's impact on the game. Glasner also emphasized the importance of Eze's goal in boosting his team's confidence. “It was so important the first goal because we got the belief back, we were really struggling in the beginning. You need something when you're struggling in the game, some positive actions to get the belief back,” Glasner added.

Eberechi Eze expressed his confidence in Crystal Palace's ability to win their first-ever FA Cup title this season. In a post-match interview with ITV, Eze stated, “We're confident in ourselves and we know what we can do, we know what we are capable of.” He emphasized the importance of showcasing their mentality in games like the quarter-final match against Fulham. “It's games like today where you show the mentality which will get you further in the tournament,” Eze added.

Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi praised his team's resilience and emphasized the importance of staying grounded despite their progress to the semi-finals. Speaking to ITV, Guehi said, “We dug deep and got our rewards. Big credit to the manager and the staff, we make sure we are set up in the right way with real leaders on the pitch.” He highlighted the team's resilience as a key factor in their success. “There is resilience in the team and that's what we need.” Guehi also stressed the importance of taking things one game at a time. “We'll take it one game at a time. We did what we had to do today, we focus on the league and then focus on who we get in the next round. One game at a time. We thank God for this opportunity so we will do our best to take it.”

Fulham's FA Cup dreams were ended 15 minutes from time, and they will now shift their focus to qualifying for the Champions League for the first time by finishing in the top five of the Premier League. Currently sitting four places and six points above Crystal Palace in the league table, Fulham will aim to build on their strong Premier League form despite their disappointing FA Cup exit.

Eddie Nketiah made a swift impact after replacing Jean-Philippe Mateta, scoring his third goal in four games with a composed finish past his former Arsenal teammate Bernd Leno. Nketiah's goal sealed a convincing 3-0 victory for Crystal Palace over Fulham in their FA Cup quarter-final tie.

In the other quarter-final match on Saturday, Brighton will host Nottingham Forest. Forest had previously thrashed Brighton 7-0 last month, but the Seagulls have been in impressive form since then, winning six and drawing one of their last seven games. Their sole draw came against Manchester City, who are considered favorites to win the competition. However, City faces a challenging away match against Bournemouth on Sunday.

Manchester City's FA Cup campaign has taken on added significance, as the competition represents their last opportunity to win a trophy this season. After a disappointing campaign that has fallen short of their usual standards, City is under pressure to deliver. Meanwhile, Aston Villa will visit second-tier Preston on Sunday, seeking to remain on course for their first trophy since 1996.

A goal and assist to cap off an incredible week for @EbereEze10 as he wins the @emirates Player of the Match award for @CPFC 🏆 pic.twitter.com/8p6acdrA3i

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 29, 2025