By Olukayode Olumuyiwa
In a weekend packed with drama, goals, and giant-killing exploits, the FA Cup third round for the 2025-26 season delivered its signature magic as several Premier League heavyweights crashed out in spectacular fashion. Defending champions Crystal Palace suffered the most humiliating exit, falling to sixth-tier Macclesfield in what experts are calling the greatest upset in the competition’s 155-year history. With a record-breaking 124 goals scored across the 32 ties, this round has reaffirmed why the FA Cup remains football’s most unpredictable tournament.
The headline story unfolded at Moss Rose, where Crystal Palace, fresh off their triumphant 2025 final win over Manchester City, were stunned 2-1 by National League North side Macclesfield. Separated by a staggering 117 places in the English football pyramid, the non-league outfit became the first team from the sixth tier to eliminate the cup holders since the 1908-09 season—when Palace themselves coincidentally knocked out then-holders Wolves. Paul Dawson’s header and a clinical finish from Isaac Buckley-Ricketts sparked wild celebrations among the home fans, despite a late 90th-minute consolation from Yeremy Pino. Macclesfield manager John Rooney described the victory as a tribute to his late player Ethan McLeod, while the defeat left Palace’s season in tatters.
Elsewhere, Manchester United added to their season’s woes with a 1-2 home loss to fellow Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday. The Red Devils, marking only their third third-round exit in 41 years, were undone by goals from Brajan Gruda and Danny Welbeck. Despite Benjamin Sesko pulling one back late on, the Seagulls held firm, further intensifying the pressure on the Old Trafford hierarchy as fans voiced their frustration over the early exit.
Nottingham Forest provided another thriller on Friday night, drawing 3-3 with Championship side Wrexham before succumbing 3-4 in a tense penalty shootout. Wrexham, the Hollywood-backed club, celebrated their first top-flight scalp in 26 years after goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo emerged as the hero with two crucial saves. Tottenham Hotspur also faltered with a 1-2 defeat to Aston Villa, while Everton were edged out by Sunderland on penalties after a 1-1 draw. Sheffield United rounded out the notable exits, falling 3-4 in a seven-goal epic against League One’s Mansfield Town.
Not all Premier League sides faltered, however. Manchester City flexed their muscles with a ruthless 10-1 demolition of Exeter City, featuring a debut goal from Antoine Semenyo. Arsenal cruised past Championship outfit Portsmouth 4-1, Chelsea dismantled Charlton Athletic 5-1, and Leeds United secured a 3-1 victory over Derby County. These results set up intriguing prospects for the next stage of the competition.
The third round concludes tonight as Liverpool host Barnsley at Anfield. The draw for the fourth round is scheduled to take place just before kick-off, with the remaining giants and the historic giant-killers of Macclesfield eagerly waiting to discover their next opponents.
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