Defending Champions Crystal Palace Upset by Macclesfield in Historic FA Cup Stunner

Crystal Palace's attempt to retain the FA Cup ended in humiliation after a 2-1 defeat to sixth-tier side Macclesfield on Saturday, marking the greatest upset in the tournaments long history.

The gap of 117 positions between the Premier League team Palace and National League North club Macclesfield represents the largest ever bridged by a lower league side in FA Cup records.

Goals from skipper Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts around the break sealed a memorable triumph for a team that had to restart in 2020 following liquidation due to outstanding debts.

"Its unbelievable, we never imagined wed reach this stage," commented Macclesfield boss John Rooney, who is the younger sibling of ex-England skipper Wayne Rooney.

"I never believed it could happen, yet theres always that slim chance that the unpredictable occurs on matchday."

The club is also grappling with the recent loss of striker Euan McLeod, who passed away at 21 just weeks back in a car crash while returning from a game.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner, rumoured for the open job at Manchester United, rotated six players, yet his XI featured England stars Marc Guehi and Adam Wharton.

"Theres no way to rationalise todays performance," stated Glasner.

"In matches like this, tactics and coaching truly dont matter.

"Simply displaying your skills and some self-respect should lead to better results, but we failed at every turn today."

Palace have now gone nine matches without a victory across all tournaments, with poor defence against set pieces central to their poor form.

Macclesfield capitalised fully as Dawson headed home from a free kick right before the interval.

Glasner called the chaotic sequence resulting in Macclesfields second goal pure farce.

Buckley-Ricketts nudged the ball beyond Walter Benitez from near distance on the hour mark following Palaces repeated failures to clear the threat.

Spain international Yeremy Pinos precise free kick in the 90th minute highlighted the talent at the top-flight teams disposal.

However, it wasnt enough to prevent them from etching their name in infamy, mere months after overcoming Manchester City at Wembley to claim their first major honour.

Premier League battlers Wolves extended their unbeaten run to four outings by demolishing Shrewsbury 6-1 to advance to the fourth round, powered by Jorgen Strand Larsens treble.