Macclesfield Stun FA Cup Holders Crystal Palace in Historic Upset

In a monumental FA Cup shock, non-League Macclesfield defeated reigning champions Crystal Palace 2-1, marking one of the greatest upsets in the competition's history. The Silkmen, who were reformed in 2020, outperformed and outmaneuvered a lackluster Palace side, despite being 117 places below them in the league pyramid. Macclesfield captain Paul Dawson scored the opening goal just before halftime, and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled the lead on the hour mark. Although Yeremy Pino's late free-kick set up a tense finish, Macclesfield held on for a famous victory, with their fans invading the pitch in celebration. This historic win was the first time the FA Cup holders had lost to non-League opposition since 1909. Macclesfield's triumph was all the more remarkable given the club's recent tragedy, with the death of 21-year-old forward Ethan McLeod in a car accident. The team paid tribute to McLeod with a spirited performance, while Palace's lackluster display was widely criticized, with manager Oliver Glasner admitting his side lacked quality and deserved to lose.