Macclesfield has pulled off one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history, knocking out defending champion Crystal Palace with a 2-1 win on Saturday.
In terms of league places, Macclesfield’s win is the biggest upset in FA Cup history. The home side plays in the sixth-tier National League North, 117 league places below Premier League side Palace.
The home side scored on either side of halftime, with Paul Dawson grabbing the opener just before the break and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts adding a second in the 61st minute.
Yeremy Pino pulled a goal back for Palace with a 90th-minute free kick, but the home side held on to secure an upset for the ages.
It’s the first time since 1909 the holders have been knocked out by a non-league side.
Crystal Palace fielded a team with international players like Marc Guéhi, Chris Richards and Adam Wharton — all of whom would likely be worth more than Macclesfield’s entire team combined.
But Macclesfield, the lowest-ranked team left in the competition, was good value for its win at Leasing.com Stadium.
Dawson opened the scoring with a header off a free kick, as the Silkmen captain gave his side a 43rd-minute lead.
Buckley-Ricketts doubled his side’s advantage after a massive scramble in the box, scoring with an improvised finish that trickled past goalkeeper Walter Benítez.
Palace defeated Manchester City in the 2024-25 final, securing the club’s first major trophy.
But Oliver Glasner’s side had its run ended in the third round this time around, seeing its winless streak extended to nine games across all competitions.