New setback for Guardiola's City: without FA Cup and 'nothing-plete' consumed

Manchester City couldn't against humble Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final (0-1) and completed the 'nothing-plete' in 2024/25. Pep Guardiola's team, against all odds, fell at Wembley by the minimum despite having most of their figures. Will this be the end of an era in English football?

Although the Catalan coach confirmed his continuity on the 'sky blue' bench for one more year, everything indicates that, together with Kevin De Bruyne, several club figures will leave this summer. Among them are Bernardo Silva, Jack Grealish and İlkay Gündogan, the latter completely disconnected after his brief stint at FC Barcelona.

A goal from Eberechi Eze left City without titles in 24/25

On Saturday, the 'cityzens' completed a day to forget where they lacked clarity and forcefulness to hurt the bottom of the 'eagles'. Palace took the lead in the 16th minute thanks to a good goal from English striker Eberechi Eze.

Although Pep's team had a penalty in their favor before the break, goalkeeper Dean Henderson, undisputed MVP of the match, was able to keep his goal at zero. In the 36th minute, the '1' stopped the shot executed by Omar Marmoush and, in the second half, had at least four more notable interventions to ensure his team's victory.

City had 79% possession and 23 shots, but only 6 of them were on target. Despite the 'sky blue' dominance, the 'rojiazul' team was very close to extending the lead in the 60th minute, but the VAR disallowed Daniel Muñoz's goal for a previous offside.

In the end, the glory went to a Palace that added its first official title in 120 years of history. The Mancunian team, meanwhile, closes its second season without titles of the Guardiola era, the first since 17/18, the debut year of the Santpedor native. In addition, it is their second defeat in the decisive match of the FA Cup, after falling in 2024 against United (2-1).

City sets its sights on the Club World Cup, but must secure its Champions League spot

Pep Guardiola and Ílkay Gúndogan after the 2025 FA Cup final

Now, Pep will try to redirect the team's course to fight for the Club World Cup, where the English will face Wydad (Morocco) Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) and Juventus.

Before that, yes, they must overcome Bournemouth and Fulham to ensure their qualification for the next Champions League. Failing to be in the top five would be a real disaster for the 'cityzens' in a season that has been regrettable in sporting terms.

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