Why is Macclesfield’s win over Crystal Palace being described as one of the biggest upsets in FA Cup history?

Macclesfield’s win is considered one of the biggest FA Cup upsets because they play in the sixth tier, 117 places below holders Crystal Palace, making this the first time a team has beaten an opponent five divisions above them and the first time in 117 years that defending champions have been knocked out by a non-league club.

What is Macclesfield’s recent history and how was the club rebuilt before this FA Cup run?

Macclesfield were reformed in 2020 after the original club was wound up, starting again in the lower reaches of the English pyramid and winning multiple promotions to reach the sixth tier, with this FA Cup run marking a major milestone in their rise.

Who is John Rooney and what is notable about his role in Macclesfield’s success?

John Rooney is Macclesfield’s manager, in his first season as a coach; he previously played for the club as a midfielder and is the younger brother of former England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, making his leadership in this upset particularly high profile.

How did the key moments of the match unfold in Macclesfield’s 2-1 victory?

Captain Paul Dawson headed in a Luke Duffy free-kick just before half-time, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled the lead around the hour mark after a scramble in the box, and Crystal Palace’s Yeremy Pino scored a late free-kick in stoppage time, but Macclesfield held on for a 2-1 win.

Why was this result especially emotional for Macclesfield players and fans beyond the sporting achievement?

The victory carried extra emotional weight because it came shortly after the death of Macclesfield forward Ethan McLeod, with the team and supporters dedicating the performance and result to his memory.

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Non-league Macclesfield stun FA Cup holders Crystal Palace 2-1

Sixth-tier Macclesfield Town beat FA Cup holders Crystal Palace 2-1 at Moss Rose, producing one of the competition's biggest upsets and sparking pitch invasions.

Overview

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Macclesfield Town, a sixth-tier non-league side, defeated FA Cup holders Crystal Palace 2-1 in the third round, marking one of the tournament's most decisive giant-killings.

The upset occurred at Macclesfield's Moss Rose ground on Saturday, before a sell-out crowd of about 5,348, with fans invading the pitch after the final whistle.

Captain Paul Dawson headed Luke Duffy's free-kick in the 43rd minute; Isaac Buckley-Ricketts added a 60th-minute finish, while Yeremy Pino's 90th-minute free-kick gave Palace late hope.

Macclesfield, rebuilt after expulsion and new ownership, climbed from lower tiers with multiple promotions; manager John Rooney, brother of Wayne Rooney, praised his part-time players' performance.

The result is historically significant — first time holders lost to non-league opponents since 1909 — and emotionally resonant given the recent death of Macclesfield forward Ethan McLeod.

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: Macclesfield’s win is considered one of the biggest FA Cup upsets because they play in the sixth tier, 117 places below holders Crystal Palace, making this the first time a team has beaten an opponent five divisions above them and the first time in 117 years that defending champions have been knocked out by a non-league club.
Sources:
ESPN
: Macclesfield were reformed in 2020 after the original club was wound up, starting again in the lower reaches of the English pyramid and winning multiple promotions to reach the sixth tier, with this FA Cup run marking a major milestone in their rise.
Sources:
Sky Sports News
: John Rooney is Macclesfield’s manager, in his first season as a coach; he previously played for the club as a midfielder and is the younger brother of former England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney, making his leadership in this upset particularly high profile.
Sources:
Sportsnet
: Captain Paul Dawson headed in a Luke Duffy free-kick just before half-time, Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubled the lead around the hour mark after a scramble in the box, and Crystal Palace’s Yeremy Pino scored a late free-kick in stoppage time, but Macclesfield held on for a 2-1 win.
Sources:
Sportsnet
: The victory carried extra emotional weight because it came shortly after the death of Macclesfield forward Ethan McLeod, with the team and supporters dedicating the performance and result to his memory.
Sources:
ESPN

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