Only a few months later, they experienced a complete debacle. In the match of the 3rd round of the new season of the FA Cup, Crystal Palace was defeated 1:2 away from the sixth league team Macclesfield.
It is the first time in 116 years that the current conqueror has been knocked out by a team that is placed so low on the English football pyramid.
FA Cup holders Crystal Palace crash out after losing 2-1 to 6th-tier Macclesfield FC, the lowest-ranked team left in the tournament.
It’s the first time since 1909 that the holders have been knocked out by a non-league side.
SIMPLY. HEROIC.
— B/R Football (@brfootball) January 10, 2026
That it will not be an easy task for Crystal Palace was already seen in the first half when the guests from London did not create much.
The total shock came in the 43rd minute when Dawson scored after a free header to make it 1:0 for the hosts. In the 61st minute, Buckley doubled the lead for complete ecstasy in the stands.
Crystal Palace then stepped up and pressed the opponent completely, but they couldn’t find a way to the net. In the 90th minute, Pino reduced the lead with a free kick, but there was no time for more than that.
HISTORY IS MADE!
Sixth-tier side Macclesfield FC knock FA Cup holders Crystal Palace out of the competition!
@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/dz0wIxT3qH
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 10, 2026
After the final whistle, there was a great celebration by the local fans who rushed into the field.
The FA Cup once again wrote a new beautiful page of English football.
(Vijesti.ba)
