The FA Cup semi-final picture is beginning to take shape as Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest booked their places in the last four following dramatic quarter-final victories on Saturday.
With two more teams set to join them after Sunday’s fixtures, the race for England’s most prestigious domestic trophy is heating up, promising an exciting road to Wembley.
Let’s dive into the key moments from Saturday’s action and look ahead to the remaining quarter-finals.
Crystal Palace Outclass Fulham to Reach the Last Four
Crystal Palace produced a commanding performance to defeat Fulham 3-0 at Craven Cottage, securing their spot in the semi-finals with ease.
The Eagles wasted no time asserting their dominance, and it was Eberechi Eze who broke the deadlock with a well-taken goal, setting the tone for the match.
As Fulham struggled to respond, Ismaïla Sarr doubled Palace’s lead with a clinical finish, effectively putting the game beyond reach. Eddie Nketiah then put the icing on the cake with a third goal, sealing a comfortable victory for Roy Hodgson’s side.
With this emphatic win, Palace’s dream of FA Cup glory remains alive, and they will now prepare for a challenging semi-final showdown at Wembley.
Nottingham Forest Edge Brighton in Dramatic Penalty Shoot-Out
Unlike Crystal Palace’s comfortable win, Nottingham Forest’s path to the semi-finals was anything but easy.
Facing a determined Brighton side, the match ended in a tense stalemate after both teams failed to find a breakthrough in normal and extra time.
As the game headed to penalties, the pressure was on. Nottingham Forest held their nerve during the shoot-out, converting their spot-kicks with precision while Brighton faltered.
Forest’s resilience paid off as they secured their place in the FA Cup last four, marking an incredible achievement for the club.
This victory gives Nottingham Forest a golden opportunity to reach the FA Cup final, something the club hasn’t achieved in decades.
Who Will Join Them? Sunday’s Quarter-Final Clashes Await
While Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest celebrate their victories, the final two FA Cup semi-final spots are still up for grabs, with two more quarter-final fixtures set to take place on Sunday.
🔹 Preston North End vs. Aston Villa – Can Championship side Preston pull off a major upset against Premier League opposition? Aston Villa will be hoping to avoid any surprises as they chase a place at Wembley.
🔹 Manchester City vs. Bournemouth – Defending champions Manchester City are heavy favorites against Bournemouth, but anything can happen in the FA Cup. Will Pep Guardiola’s men continue their dominance, or can Bournemouth produce a shock result?
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By Sunday evening, the full semi-final lineup will be confirmed, and anticipation will build for the road to Wembley as the FA Cup nears its climax.
FA Cup: A Tournament of Dreams
The FA Cup has long been a competition where underdogs thrive and giants fall, making it one of the most exciting knockout tournaments in world football.
With Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest now just one game away from a historic Wembley final, their fans will be dreaming of lifting the famous trophy.
As Sunday’s action unfolds, the stage will be set for a thrilling semi-final lineup, and the excitement will only grow as we get closer to discovering this year’s FA Cup champion.
Stay tuned for more updates as the FA Cup drama continues!