Crystal Palace Under-18s were crowned Premier League Cup champions on Wednesday night, lifting the trophy for the first time in the club’s history after a dramatic victory over Manchester United at Selhurst Park in front of 4,000.
At the final whistle, scenes of jubilation swept across SE25 – players, staff and supporters united in celebration. It was a moment that reflected far more than just one result, but a journey months in the making. A campaign that began in late summer, shaped by setbacks, growth and belief, and ultimately defined by resilience.
From early lessons to statement wins, from knockout composure to final-night drama – this is how the young Eagles did it.
The U18 Premier League Cup was introduced by the Premier League in 2017 as the academy equivalent of the U21 Premier League Cup, bringing together the leading Category One Academies across the country in a national knockout competition.
Prior to this season, Crystal Palace’s strongest run came in 2023/24, when the young Eagles reached the semi-finals before falling to Manchester United at Carrington in difficult conditions.
There have also been close calls along the way. Last season, Palace signed off their group stage campaign with a 2-0 win over Arsenal, but narrowly missed out on progression, with Liverpool advancing as group winners on goals scored – a fine margin that underlined just how competitive the tournament has become.
For 2025/26, the competition was expanded to 32 teams, split into eight groups of four. Only the group winners progressed to the quarter-finals, raising the stakes from the very first match and leaving no margin for error in the group stage.
From the knockout rounds onwards, ties are decided on the day. If teams are level after 90 minutes, they play 30 minutes of extra time, followed by penalties if required – a format that delivered plenty of drama in this season’s edition.
26/08/25 | Oduro, Casey, Drakes-Thomas
Drawn in a fiercely competitive Group D – alongside Premier League North leaders Manchester City, Premier League South leaders Chelsea and Sheffield United – Palace knew from the outset there would be little margin for error, with only the group winners progressing. Their campaign began in electric fashion.
Inside three minutes, Stuart Oduro swept home the opener after excellent work from Euan Danaher, setting the tone for a dominant first-half display. Palace played with confidence and attacking freedom, stretching City repeatedly.
Benji Casey doubled the lead after being released by Chuks Okoli, finishing clinically, before Joel Drakes-Thomas added a third just before the interval following sustained pressure. At the break, Palace looked in complete control.
The second half, however, proved a pivotal learning moment.
City responded strongly, gradually shifting momentum and highlighting the importance of game management at this level. A goal back gave the visitors belief, and as Palace dropped deeper, the pressure intensified. A second followed, before a late equaliser completed the comeback.
There was still time for one final chance, with David Angibeaud striking the post in stoppage time, but Palace had to settle for a point.
It was a frustrating outcome – but one that provided an early and valuable lesson in control that would shape the remainder of their campaign.
04/10/25 | Bernard-Ferguson, Okoli, Casey
The second group fixture carried real significance, with all four sides level on one point. A win would provide a crucial foothold in what was quickly becoming a tightly contested group.
Away at high-flying Category Two side Sheffield United, Palace were tested by both their opponents and difficult conditions. Heavy rain and strong winds made fluency difficult, demanding a more disciplined and adaptable performance. They delivered.
Makai Bernard-Ferguson opened the scoring with a moment of individual quality, cutting inside and curling a superb effort into the far corner. The goal allowed Palace to settle and establish control.
Early in the second half, they extended their lead through Chuks Okoli, who reacted quickest from close range after Jasper Judd’s dangerous delivery caused problems in the box – set-pieces becoming an increasingly effective weapon.
Although the Blades pulled a goal back – a delivery aided by the conditions catching everyone off guard – Palace remained composed. Rather than allowing momentum to swing, they managed the game intelligently.
Casey sealed the victory late on, reacting sharply at the back post to convert from another Judd corner.
The result moved Palace to the top of Group D, placing them firmly in control heading into the decisive final fixture.
22/11/25 | Angibeaud, Bernard-Ferguson, Oduro, Martin
The final group match presented a clear equation. Level on points with City, Palace needed a result – and potentially a convincing one – to guarantee progression.
Chelsea, despite their position, arrived as formidable opponents, boasting a strong defensive record and unbeaten league form. Palace, however, produced their most complete performance of the group stage.
Angibeaud opened the scoring midway through the first half, capitalising on a defensive error and finishing confidently one-on-one. The breakthrough reflected Palace’s growing composure and ruthlessness.
Just before half-time, Bernard-Ferguson doubled the lead, steering a composed, looping finish beyond the ‘keeper after Jacob Fasida’s whipped delivery was only partially cleared – giving Palace firm control.
The second half began in perfect fashion, as a flowing team move carved Chelsea open, allowing Stuart Oduro to make it three with a precise finish into the far corner.
From there, Palace dictated proceedings, combining defensive discipline with attacking intent. Donte Martin added a fourth late on to complete an emphatic victory.
City matched Palace’s points tally elsewhere, but it was enough – Palace progressed as group winners on goal difference from a fiercely competitive ‘group of death’.
17/02/26 | Muwana, Martin (2)
The knockout phase introduced a new level of pressure, with no margin for error.
Away at Category Two Peterborough United, Palace endured a difficult start, with the hosts applying early pressure and testing their defensive organisation. Lucca Benetton was called into action, while crucial blocks preserved parity.
As the half progressed, Palace began to assert themselves. Their breakthrough came just before half-time, as Josh Muwana reacted quickest to Daniel Owoade’s curling cross into the box, converting from close range.
Peterborough responded after the interval, levelling the match on 55 minutes and shifting momentum. At that point, Palace’s response was decisive.
Substitute Donte Martin changed the game in an instant, scoring twice in quick succession to turn the tie on its head.
His first came as he volleyed home Daniel Owoade’s low cross, before he struck again moments later, rifling in from close range after neat build-up play involving Euan Danaher and Angibeaud.
From there, Palace managed the game effectively, maintaining composure and limiting further opportunities. The victory secured a place in the semi-finals and reinforced the growing belief within the group.
04/03/26 | Angibeaud
The semi-final presented perhaps their sternest test.
Tottenham arrived in strong form, unbeaten in eight matches and full of confidence. Away from home, Palace were required to show patience, discipline and resilience.
The first half was tightly contested, with limited clear-cut chances. Palace were forced to defend resolutely at times, with key interventions maintaining parity.
Gradually, they grew into the contest, with set-pieces offering a consistent threat.
The decisive moment arrived with 10 minutes remaining. Judd’s inswinging delivery found Angibeaud, who rose highest to power home a crucial header.
The closing stages demanded composure, as Tottenham pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Palace held firm, defending with discipline to secure a hard-fought victory.
It was enough to book their place in the club’s first-ever U18 Premier League Cup final.
Back at Selhurst Park, Palace faced Manchester United once again – just five days after FA Youth Cup semi-final disappointment against the same opponents.
United took the lead in the first half through Noah Ajayi, and for long periods it appeared Palace might fall short once more.
But the closing stages brought a dramatic twist.
Deep into stoppage time, Benji Casey raced onto a forward pass from Chuks Okoli, took a touch into the penalty area and was brought down by Albert Mills, who was subsequently dismissed.
In the 94th minute, Casey stepped up – and converted with composure to send the match into extra time.
With a numerical advantage, Palace controlled much of extra time, creating several chances and striking the woodwork on multiple occasions, but were unable to find a winner.
The contest was ultimately decided by penalties.
Both sides converted their first five attempts, before Benetton produced a decisive moment in sudden death, springing to his left to tip Godwill Kukonki’s effort onto the crossbar.
Dean Benamar then stepped forward and fired home the winning penalty, sealing a historic triumph.
Under-18s head coach Javier Alonso reflected on the achievement: “I don’t have words for the boys. They did an unbelievable job this season. They gave everything under the lights of Selhurst Park with the supporters behind them.
“It’s an unbelievable achievement for the squad. I’m really proud of them. They deserve this – they’ve worked for it all season.
“The game had everything – chances at both ends, big moments, extra time, penalties. I’m just so happy for them because they deserve nights like this.”
This was more than a final.
It was the culmination of a journey.
And now, it is part of Crystal Palace history – forever.
