FA Cup stuns as Macclesfield topples Palace and Sunderland triumphs on penalties
The FA Cup third round delivered two major upsets as sixth-tier Macclesfield FC stunned reigning holders Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, Sunderland edged past Everton in a dramatic penalty shootout to secure their place in the fifth round. Both results marked historic moments in the competition’s long history.
Macclesfield, managed by John Rooney, pulled off a shock 2–1 victory over Premier League side Crystal Palace. The win made them the first non-league team in 117 years to knock out the FA Cup holders. Their triumph sent waves through the football world.
In another thrilling clash, Sunderland and Everton finished 1–1 after extra time. Everton’s late equaliser in the 90th minute forced the game into penalties. Sunderland’s goalkeeper, Robin Roefs, then became the hero by saving all three of Everton’s spot-kicks. Captain Granit Xhaka converted his penalty, sealing a 3–0 shootout win for the Black Cats.
Macclesfield’s victory ensures their name goes down in FA Cup history. Sunderland’s penalty success, meanwhile, sets up their progression to the fifth round. Both teams will now prepare for their next challenges in the competition.
