Macclesfield F.C. vs Crystal Palace F.C. Lineups – Shock Win
On 10 January 2026, one of the most remarkable upsets in English football history took place at Moss Rose. Macclesfield FC, a sixth-tier National League side, defeated the reigning FA Cup holders, Crystal Palace, 2-1 in the third round. The result sent shockwaves through the sport, as a team 117 places below their opponents eliminated a Premier League club that had lifted the trophy just months earlier.
The match was defined by efficiency and defensive discipline from the home side, who capitalized on their chances while repelling sustained pressure from a Palace team missing several first-team regulars. Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts scored for Macclesfield, with a late consolation from Yeremy Pino proving insufficient for the visitors.
The final score confirmed what many are now calling the biggest giant-killing in FA Cup history, surpassing even the most famous shocks of previous eras.
What were the official starting lineups for Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace?
- Macclesfield’s victory is one of the greatest FA Cup shocks in history
- Crystal Palace fielded a near full-strength XI despite being holders
- The match was decided by two goals from Macclesfield in the second half
- Lineup discrepancies exist online – clarify using only official matchday sources
- Macclesfield had no unavailable players, while Palace were missing multiple key figures
- The result is the first time a level-6 side has beaten a top-division team since the Premier League was formed
- It is also the first time defending FA Cup champions lost to a non-league team since 1909
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Match Date | 10 January 2026 |
| Competition | FA Cup Third Round |
| Venue | Moss Rose Ground, Macclesfield |
| Attendance | Not officially confirmed in available sources |
| Final Score | Macclesfield 2-1 Crystal Palace |
| Scorers (Macclesfield) | Paul Dawson (43′), Isaac Buckley-Ricketts (60′) |
| Scorers (Crystal Palace) | Yeremy Pino (90′) |
| Lineups Source | Sky Sports, Fotmob (official confirmed) |
Official matchday team sheets, as published by Sky Sports and Fotmob, confirm the lineups. However, due to discrepancies found on social media posts, it is important to note that only these two official sports data sources are reliable. An old Facebook post circulating an incorrect lineup should be disregarded as outdated and inaccurate.
What formation did each team use?
Macclesfield set up in a compact defensive shape, likely a 4-4-2 or 4-5-1, designed to absorb pressure and hit on the counter. Crystal Palace, true to their Premier League style, deployed a possession-based formation, likely a 4-3-3, but struggled to break down a disciplined and well-organized home defence.
Who were the substitutes?
Full substitute lists were not provided in the available match reports. However, the BBC Sport match report and Fotmob match centre indicate that Palace used several changes late in the game in an attempt to salvage the result. Macclesfield’s bench was reportedly full, with no unavailability issues.
Lineup data published on Sky Sports and Fotmob on 10 January 2026 is considered the most reliable. A Facebook post circulating an old lineup with players like Mamadou Sakho (who left the club in 2021) should not be treated as accurate.
What was the final score and how did the FA Cup shock unfold?
Macclesfield took a 1-0 lead just before halftime when Paul Dawson found the net in the 43rd minute. The goal gave the home side a platform to build on, and they doubled their advantage in the 60th minute through Isaac Buckley-Ricketts. Crystal Palace pulled one back deep into stoppage time, when Yeremy Pino scored in the 90th minute, but it was too little, too late.
Who scored for Macclesfield?
Paul Dawson opened the scoring in the 43rd minute. Isaac Buckley-Ricketts added a second in the 60th minute. Both goals came from open play and highlighted Macclesfield’s clinical edge in front of goal.
Who scored for Crystal Palace?
Yeremy Pino scored Palace’s only goal in the 90th minute. The strike came too late to alter the outcome of the match.
Did Macclesfield really beat Crystal Palace?
Yes. Macclesfield FC, a sixth-tier club, defeated the reigning FA Cup holders Crystal Palace 2-1 at Moss Rose on 10 January 2026. The result is widely recognized as one of the greatest upsets in FA Cup history.
What do the stats and pre-match prediction reveal about the upset?
The match statistics paint a clear picture of how the upset unfolded. Crystal Palace dominated possession with 72%, but Macclesfield matched them in shots on target (4 each). The home side took 13 total shots compared to Palace’s 12, and were far more efficient with their opportunities.
Key stats from the match include:
- Possession: Macclesfield 28% – 72% Crystal Palace
- Total shots: Macclesfield 13 – 12 Crystal Palace
- Shots on target: 4 each
- Corners: Macclesfield 2 – 3 Crystal Palace
- Fouls: Macclesfield 8 – 13 Crystal Palace
- Yellow cards: 2 each
- Red cards: 0 each
Pre-match predictions heavily favored Crystal Palace. As Premier League champions and FA Cup holders, they were expected to progress comfortably against a National League side. However, as the Sofascore match centre shows, the data from the match itself tells a different story: Macclesfield were disciplined, efficient, and clinical where it mattered most.
How did non-league Macclesfield outperform a Premier League side?
Macclesfield’s defensive organization and counter-attacking efficiency were key. Crystal Palace had the ball for long periods but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Macclesfield, by contrast, took their opportunities when they came, a classic giant-killing formula. Additionally, Palace were missing several first-team players including Caleb Kporha, Chadi Riad, Cheick Oumar Doucouré, Daichi Kamada, Daniel Muñoz, Eddie Nketiah, Jefferson Lerma, and Rio Cardines, as noted by Fotmob. Macclesfield, with no unavailable players, fielded a settled and motivated side.
Despite dominating possession with 72%, Crystal Palace managed only the same number of shots on target as Macclesfield (4). The data suggests Macclesfield’s defensive discipline and finishing quality were the decisive factors, not luck.
Where to find highlights, tickets, and other match details
Full match highlights are available through BBC Sport and Sky Sports, both of which provided live coverage and post-match analysis. The FA Cup official channels also carry extended highlights of the match.
Where can I watch highlights of Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace?
Highlights are available on the BBC Sport website, the Sky Sports match centre, and the official FA Cup YouTube channel. Links to these sources are provided in the external resources section of this article.
How much were tickets for Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace?
Ticket prices were not officially confirmed in the available match reports. Moss Rose has a capacity of approximately 6,000, and the allocation for such a high-profile fixture is likely to have sold out quickly.
When did the match take place?
The match was played on Saturday, 10 January 2026, with a 12:45 PM kickoff local time.
For future FA Cup matches at Moss Rose, fans should check official club channels for ticket release dates, as matches against Premier League opposition typically sell out within hours of announcement.
Timeline of key events: Macclesfield 2-1 Crystal Palace
- Pre-match (10 Jan 2026): Lineups announced. Crystal Palace missing several first-team regulars; Macclesfield field a full-strength XI.
- 43rd minute: Paul Dawson scores to put Macclesfield 1-0 ahead just before halftime.
- 60th minute: Isaac Buckley-Ricketts doubles Macclesfield’s lead.
- 90th minute: Yeremy Pino pulls one back for Crystal Palace.
- Full-time: Macclesfield 2-1 Crystal Palace. One of the greatest FA Cup upsets in history is complete.
What is confirmed and what remains uncertain about the match details
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Final score: Macclesfield 2-1 Crystal Palace | Full substitute lists for both teams |
| Scorers: Dawson (43′), Buckley-Ricketts (60′), Pino (90′) | Exact attendance figure for Moss Rose |
| Official lineups from Sky Sports and Fotmob | Ticket prices for the match |
| Match date: 10 January 2026 | Detailed formations used by each team |
| Possession: Macclesfield 28% – 72% Crystal Palace | Individual player ratings |
| Palace missing multiple first-team players | Manager post-match comments (if any) |
Why this result matters in the context of FA Cup history
The FA Cup has a long tradition of giant-killings, but few compare to this result. Macclesfield, a sixth-tier club, defeated the reigning FA Cup holders, a Premier League side, with a 117-place gap in the English football pyramid. This is the first time since the Premier League was formed (1992) that a level-6 side has beaten a top-division team. It is also the first time defending FA Cup champions have lost to a non-league team since 1909, when Bradford City lost to … The result echoes classics like Hereford vs Newcastle (1972) and Wrexham vs Arsenal (1992), but surpasses them in terms of league difference.
The financial and reputational impact on both clubs is significant. For Macclesfield, the win brings prize money, media attention, and a potential glamour tie in the fourth round. For Crystal Palace, it represents a humbling exit and raises questions about squad depth and rotation during cup competitions.
Sources and key quotes from the match
Sources for this match include BBC Sport, which provided live text commentary, and statistical data from Fotmob and Sofascore. Lineup information was confirmed by Sky Sports and Fotmob.
“The biggest upset in FA Cup history” – widely reported description of the match result.
“Macclesfield took advantage with goals from Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Richards” – ESPN match summary.
Summary: What you need to know about Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace
Macclesfield FC defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 in the FA Cup third round on 10 January 2026, in one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history. Goals from Paul Dawson and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts secured the win, with Yeremy Pino scoring a late consolation for the holders. Crystal Palace dominated possession but were out-fought and out-thought by a determined National League side. For those following the FA Cup, How to watch FA Cup highlights on BBC is available. For the latest on the defeated side, visit Crystal Palace FC – latest news and fixtures.
Frequently asked questions about Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace
When was the Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace match played?
10 January 2026, FA Cup Third Round.
How much were tickets for Macclesfield vs Crystal Palace?
Ticket prices were not officially confirmed in the available sources; the allocation likely sold out quickly.
What was the pre-match prediction?
Predictions heavily favored Crystal Palace due to the gulf in league levels, but Macclesfield defied all odds.
Where can I find full match highlights?
Highlights are available on BBC Sport, Sky Sports, and FA Cup official channels.
What was the attendance for the match?
The exact attendance figure was not confirmed in available sources.
Did Crystal Palace field a weakened team?
Palace were missing several first-team players, including Cheick Oumar Doucouré, Eddie Nketiah, and Jefferson Lerma, but were still considered heavy favorites.
What is the biggest FA Cup upset of all time?
Many now consider Macclesfield’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace the biggest, due to the 117-place gap between the two sides.
Who scored for Macclesfield?
Paul Dawson (43′) and Isaac Buckley-Ricketts (60′).
Who scored for Crystal Palace?
Yeremy Pino (90′).
What round of the FA Cup was this match?
Third round proper.
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