Macclesfield shocked Palace 2-1, marking the first time a non-league team has knocked out FA Cup champions. The 117-place gulf is currently the biggest disparity ever bridged in FA Cup history.
Sixth-tier Macclesfield FC achieved the most remarkable upset in the tournament’s history, eliminating defending champions Crystal Palace 2-1, causing a stir in English football.
A non-league team had never eliminated the current FA Cup champions — a record that had persisted since 1909. The 117-position divide between Premier League’s Palace and National League North’s Macclesfield is now the biggest gap ever bridged in the tournament’s 153-year history.
Captain Paul Dawson sparked the fairytale with a towering header right before halftime, before Isaac Buckley-Ricketts scored again after the break to finalize a night that will be remembered in FA Cup history forever.
This was more than an upset — it was a moment of great importance for a club that disappeared in 2020, compelled to reestablish itself after being dissolved due to unpaid debts.
How Macclesfield Turned Grief Into Glory After Euan McLeod’s Passing
Fewer than 30 days after the heartbreaking passing of 21-year-old forward Euan McLeod, Macclesfield achieved a win that went beyond the sport.
“I never believed it could happen,” said manager John Rooney. “However, that’s the FA Cup — anything is possible.”
Crystal Palace, with England internationals Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton, were left shocked. A late free-kick taken by Yeremy Pino provided fleeting hope, but failed to stop Palace from making history for the wrong reasons
Palace coach Oliver Glasner found himself seeking solutions. “I can’t explain what I witnessed,” he confessed, describing the defense for Macclesfield’s second goal as “absurd.”
For Macclesfield, this victory represented much more than just a win—it embodied the true essence of the FA Cup’s enchantment, highlighting why the tournament stands unparalleled in the realm of football.
In another match, Wolves comfortably secured a 6-1 victory against Shrewsbury.