Crystal Palace opened their campaign in January with a gritty one nil win against Stockport County, settled by an Eberechi Eze free kick, a match that barely registered outside south London but laid the foundation for adventure.
Momentum gathered with victory over Fulham in the quarter finals, Eze again central as he scored and assisted in a three nil success that showcased Palace’s attacking breadth.
A Guardian feature later noted how the club’s history is littered with near misses, yet Glasner’s group seemed determined to avoid repeating Terry Venables or Alan Pardew heartbreak.
That resolve crystallised in the semi final, where Ismaïla Sarr’s two finishes and another moment of Eze magic toppled Aston Villa three nil, prompting pundits to declare the Eagles genuine contenders.
Next comes the Wembley showpiece on 17 May against Manchester City, with Europa League qualification and immortality on the line.
Players have spoken of an unbreakable bond forged across this journey from Stockport to Wembley, a narrative that has captivated neutral supporters and breathed fresh optimism into Selhurst Park.
