The reigning champions bow out! Crystal Palace crash out of the FA Cup after defeat to sixth-tier club
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert
The FA Cup has delivered a sensational shock! The reigning champions, Crystal Palace, have relinquished their crown and exited the tournament at the third-round stage.
The architect of this stunning result was Macclesfield, representing the National League North—the sixth tier of English football. The underdogs netted a goal in each half and celebrated a famous victory over their Premier League opponents.
Oliver Glasner shuffled his lineup with young players, but the gamble backfired. Although the ball spent most of the match at the feet of the Londoners, their less-heralded rivals matched them stride for stride and ultimately sent the Premier League side packing. Palace responded only with a precise strike from Yeremi Pino.
Let’s not forget, in last season’s FA Cup final, the Eagles overcame Manchester City to claim the first major trophy in their history.
