In what might go down as the most extraordinary weekend in the 154-year history of the FA Cup, sixth-tier Macclesfield pulled off one of the greatest upsets ever recorded, knocking holders Crystal Palace out of the competition in a breathtaking third-round tie. In contrast to that historic giant-killing, Manchester City produced a performance of a completely different magnitude, thumping Exeter City 10-1 in a statement from one of English football’s elite. Together, these results highlighted the magic and unpredictability that makes the FA Cup truly special.
A Historic Giant-Killing
At Moss Rose Stadium in Macclesfield, the unlikeliest of FA Cup stories unfolded. Macclesfield — a club playing in the National League North, six levels below the Premier League — stunned Crystal Palace with a 2-1 victory that sent shockwaves through the football world. The margin between the clubs was 117 places in the English football pyramid, making this not just an upset but arguably the biggest in the competition’s long history.
Macclesfield’s first goal came just before halftime when captain Paul Dawson rose highest to power a header into the net from a curled Luke Duffy free kick. The opening goal sparked wild celebrations among the home crowd, many of whom had never seen their team compete at this level before.
Early in the second half, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled the lead with a composed finish that wrong-footed Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez. Macclesfield — a club rebuilt after being expelled from the National League five years ago due to financial problems — embraced the opportunity to make history.
Crystal Palace did not go quietly. In the 90th minute, Palace winger Yeremy Pino delivered a stunning free-kick to give the visitors hope heading into added time. But despite six minutes of stoppage play, the underdogs held firm, defending resolutely and ensuring one of the most remarkable chapters in FA Cup lore would be written in Cheshire.
The emotional impact of the result was palpable. Macclesfield’s manager John Rooney, brother of former England captain Wayne Rooney, described the victory as something he and his players had never imagined. Fans spilled onto the pitch after the final whistle, celebrating underdogs who seized their moment and rewrote expectations.
For Palace, the defeat was bitterly disappointing. They became the first FA Cup holders to be eliminated by non-league opposition since Crystal Palace themselves knocked out Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1909 — a century and more ago — and will now reflect on a performance that failed to match the occasion.
The Magic of the Cup Comes to Life
This result is a reminder of what makes the FA Cup unique: a competition where football romance can triumph over financial might and elite status. Macclesfield’s win will be discussed and celebrated for years, cited alongside famous upsets such as Sutton United’s shock win over Coventry City in 1989. The significance of surpassing that giant-killing — given the additional league gap between the teams — only adds to the legend.
For many of Macclesfield’s part-time players, this is the pinnacle of their careers. Few will have expected to play a role in one of English football’s most iconic upsets. Yet they did, and they did it with determination, organisation and belief — attributes that define the best FA Cup stories.
Manchester City Make a Statement
While Macclesfield’s success captured hearts, Manchester City delivered a football masterclass that grabbed headlines for a very different reason. In their third-round tie away to League One side Exeter City, City recorded a staggering 10-1 victory, equalling their biggest ever win in the competition.
The rout was comprehensive from start to finish, with City scoring through a variety of sources. Defender Max Alleyne struck early, midfielder Rodri added a second, and the goals continued to flow through the first half and beyond. Debutant Antoine Semenyo, City’s new signing, marked his first appearance with a goal, adding to the club’s attacking flair.
City’s performance was historic not just for the sheer number of goals, but because it highlighted the depth and quality at Pep Guardiola’s disposal. It was the first time City had scored ten goals in a competitive fixture since their earlier successes, and it demonstrated their ruthless approach to cup football when everything clicks.
Such a dominant display also served as a stark contrast to the morning’s dramatic upset. It underlined how, in the FA Cup, elite clubs can assert their superiority with clinical precision — while lower-tier underdogs can defy all expectations through grit and tactical discipline.
Other Notable Results
The rest of the FA Cup third round also produced noteworthy moments. Aston Villa edged Tottenham Hotspur 2-1, piling pressure on Spurs manager Thomas Frank. Chelsea began new manager Liam Rosenior’s tenure with an impressive 5-1 win over Championship side Charlton Athletic, while Newcastle United advanced in dramatic fashion, prevailing 7-6 on penalties after a 3-3 draw with Bournemouth.
Other Premier League teams such as Fulham, Brentford and Burnley also progressed comfortably, while mid-tier sides showcased their own quality as the tournament’s drama unfolded.
What It Means Going Forward
For Macclesfield, the victory guarantees a historic place in the FA Cup fourth round, a stage few outside the football community believed they would reach this year. The club’s remarkable rise — from liquidation and expulsion to national prominence — is a testament to resilience, community spirit and belief.
For Crystal Palace, the shock elimination will likely prompt introspection and criticism, especially given their status as defending champions. It is a stark example of how cup football can produce brutal results and how complacency can be punished on any given day.
At the same time, Manchester City’s demolition of Exeter City shows the gulf in class when top Premier League sides turn up in peak form. It sets the tone for their continued pursuit of domestic and international honours this season.
In a single day of FA Cup action, football served up both its most beloved narratives: the rise of the underdog and the dominance of established power. Whether in the historic roar of Moss Rose or the clinical destruction at the Etihad, this weekend will live long in the memory of fans everywhere.
