Macclesfield magic: Crystal Palace's FA Cup dream is over as National League North side shocks them 2-0. The historic victory has sent shockwaves throughout the football world and has left many stunned.
Crystal Palace, who were just weeks away from defending their FA Cup title, were knocked out by Macclesfield Town in a stunning upset. The match was played at Moss Rose stadium, with a sell-out crowd of 5,348 fans watching on as the National League North side pulled off one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history.
Macclesfield's victory was made all the more special by the fact that they were playing for the memory of Ethan McLeod, who died in a car crash just weeks ago. The team dedicated their win to his parents, who were in attendance at the match.
The defeat was a harsh reality check for Palace, with manager Oliver Glasner admitting that he was not pleased with the team's display. "With all the respect to Macclesfield, you don't need a tactic, you don't need a manager who tells you what to do," he said. "You have to do the right things."
Meanwhile, in other FA Cup action today, Derby will face Leeds at Pride Park, while Manchester United take on Brighton at Old Trafford.
In Women's Super League (WSL) news, Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing England midfielder Georgia Stanway on a free transfer.
In Serie A, Napoli host Inter Milan at San Siro, with the two teams having scooped up four of the last five scudetti between them. The match is expected to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams vying for the title.
Rangers will face Hearts in the Scottish Premiership today, while Celtic took down Dundee United 4-0 at home.
In Europe, Egypt and Nigeria completed the semi-final lineup of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) after winning their respective quarter-finals. The two teams will meet in Rabat on Wednesday to contest the final.
And finally, Manchester City thumped Exeter 10-1 in a friendly match earlier today.
Crystal Palace, who were just weeks away from defending their FA Cup title, were knocked out by Macclesfield Town in a stunning upset. The match was played at Moss Rose stadium, with a sell-out crowd of 5,348 fans watching on as the National League North side pulled off one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history.
Macclesfield's victory was made all the more special by the fact that they were playing for the memory of Ethan McLeod, who died in a car crash just weeks ago. The team dedicated their win to his parents, who were in attendance at the match.
The defeat was a harsh reality check for Palace, with manager Oliver Glasner admitting that he was not pleased with the team's display. "With all the respect to Macclesfield, you don't need a tactic, you don't need a manager who tells you what to do," he said. "You have to do the right things."
Meanwhile, in other FA Cup action today, Derby will face Leeds at Pride Park, while Manchester United take on Brighton at Old Trafford.
In Women's Super League (WSL) news, Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing England midfielder Georgia Stanway on a free transfer.
In Serie A, Napoli host Inter Milan at San Siro, with the two teams having scooped up four of the last five scudetti between them. The match is expected to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams vying for the title.
Rangers will face Hearts in the Scottish Premiership today, while Celtic took down Dundee United 4-0 at home.
In Europe, Egypt and Nigeria completed the semi-final lineup of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) after winning their respective quarter-finals. The two teams will meet in Rabat on Wednesday to contest the final.
And finally, Manchester City thumped Exeter 10-1 in a friendly match earlier today.
! Crystal Palace was so close to winning that FA Cup title and now they're just... gone 
. I mean, who would've thought Macclesfield Town would be the ones to take them down? 
But you know what's even crazier? The fact that Ethan McLeod's family was there watching their team win for him 
. That's some next-level sportsmanship right there! 
As for Palace, they're going to have to lick their wounds and try again another time 
. On a more positive note, Arsenal are eyeing Georgia Stanway... fingers crossed they can make it happen 
!
but I guess you can't count out the underdogs, that's football for u 
anyway this means Palace has to regroup and try again and I hope they do 'cause it would be sad if they didn't get a chance at the trophy 
especially since it was for Ethan McLeod's memory, that's really touching 
. Palace, on the other hand, looked a bit rusty out there... hopefully they can regroup and get back on track soon 
. And I'm curious to see how Arsenal's interest in Georgia Stanway will play out - she's an amazing player! 
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. They got outmaneuvered by Macclesfield, plain and simple. Oliver Glasner was right to be upset - what's the point of having a manager if you're not gonna listen? 
. Maybe this will spark some change for lower-league clubs? Fingers crossed, right? 
The energy at Moss Rose stadium must've been ELECTRIC 
with all the fans cheering on their team, especially for Ethan McLeod's family who were there to pay tribute. 
after that tough loss. Guess it's back to reality for Palace! 