FA Cup semi-final: Can Glasner finally win with Crystal Palace?

FA Cup semi-final: Can Glasner finally win with Crystal Palace?

The semi-finals of the English FA Cup take place on April 26, 2025. In this crucial game, Crystal Palace will face Aston Villa. Live coverage begins at 6:15 p.m. Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner faces a special challenge; He needs two more wins to celebrate his first success as a coach. Aston Villa will do everything in their power to prevent this and secure their place in the final.

The FA Cup, the oldest football competition in the world, is run by the Football Association and has a long history starting in 1871/72. Numerous teams are currently taking part in the knockout system in the 2024/25 season. The first main round includes 124 teams and the pairings are decided by drawing lots. In addition, the semi-finals will take place on neutral ground.

Competition structure and history

Aston Villa and Crystal Palace have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of record winners such as Arsenal and Manchester United. Arsenal have won a total of 14 titles, while Manchester United have won 13 times. These prestigious teams have not only collected many trophies but also marked significant historical moments in the FA Cup.

Competition innovations such as the elimination of replays from the 2024/25 season show that the FA Cup is continuously developing. If there is a draw from the quarter-finals onwards, it will go to extra time and possibly a penalty shootout. These rule changes are intended to create more excitement and dynamism.

The path to the final

The FA Cup final traditionally takes place in May at Wembley Stadium in London. The eventual cup winner has a unique chance to qualify for the UEFA Europa League group stage, which creates additional incentive. Teams from the Premier League and the Football League Championship enter the competition from the third main round, making the tournament particularly exciting.

There have been numerous upsets in the history of the FA Cup, with lower-tier teams triumphing against higher-tier teams. These moments make the competition a special highlight in English football. crown reported the upcoming encounter, while the official site Wikipedia provides comprehensive information about the competition.