Crystal Palace reached the FA Cup final for the first time in nine years after Ismaila Sarr’s double and a stunning goal from Eberechi Eze secured a 3-0 win against Aston Villa at Wembley on Saturday.
Oliver Glasner’s side opened the scoring in the semi-final through Eze’s powerful long-range effort before Sarr struck twice in the second half.
Palace will face either Nottingham Forest or Manchester City, who are set to meet in the second semi-final on Sunday, in the final scheduled for May 17.
The Eagles have never won the FA Cup, losing their two final appearances against Manchester United in 2016 and 1990.
“All the credit to the players. They had to work so hard. They had to overcome a few difficult moments,” Glasner said.
“We got more control and it was an unbelievable performance. The players stuck to the plan and we never lost our heads.
“I don’t know at the moment how I feel — a bit exhausted. The players have four days off now. They should enjoy the moment.”
Villa, who last won the FA Cup in 1957, were hoping to make the final for the first time since 2015.
But Unai Emery’s team produced a dismal display and will have to settle for fighting to qualify for the Champions League via a top five finish in the Premier League.
“When they scored the first goal it was more difficult for us and we only reacted after 2-0 and then we created more chances to score and we didn’t do. In transition they are very good, and they deserve to win,” Emery said.
“Sorry to our supporters because they were motivated. We have to accept it. We have to be quick to react because in the league we have the most important objective.”
Sarr sparkles
Sarr set up Eze, who curled a superb shot beyond Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to open the scoring.
Torres looked for an instant reply when he nodded just over the crossbar.
Konsa came closer, forcing Dean Henderson into a low save with a header of his own from a corner.
Villa piled on more pressure after the restart when Henderson made another fine save to deny John McGinn’s sharp volley, then Lucas Digne fired narrowly wide through a crowd of players.
Palace were awarded a 53rd-minute penalty after Eze was tugged down by Boubacar Kamara and Mateta stepped up to the spot after a VAR check, but his shot clipped the post and went wide.
Just as Villa started to gain momentum, Adam Wharton intercepted a pass and, after a quick touch from Mateta, Sarr fired into the bottom corner.
Henderson repelled a blast from Villa substitute Leon Bailey, moments after Mateta slid in to deny Ross Barkley.
Sarr nodded Eze’s cross off target, while Matty Cash’s attempt to claw a late goal back for Villa sailed wide.
Sarr sealed Palace’s triumph in stoppage-time, racing clear of Konsa and calmly slotting home to cap a memorable afternoon. (AFP)
What you should know
Crystal Palace have reached their first FA Cup final since 2016, with Ismaila Sarr and Eberechi Eze starring in a dominant 3-0 semi-final victory over Aston Villa at Wembley.
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