Arsenal booked their place in the semifinals of the 2025–26 League Cup after defeating Crystal Palace in a penalty shootout, following a 1–1 draw in regular time at the Emirates Stadium in the quarterfinals.
Mikel Arteta’s side took the lead through an own goal by Maxence Lacroix, while Marc Guéhi scored a late equalizer for the visitors. The Gunners were more accurate from the spot and eventually secured their place among the final four teams in the competition.
As leaders in the Premier League and strong contenders in the Champions League, Arsenal controlled much of the match from the opening minutes, although Crystal Palace proved to be a difficult opponent with a compact defensive setup.
Arsenal dominated possession in the first half and created the clearest chances, but Crystal Palace goalkeeper Walter Benítez delivered an outstanding performance to keep his side in the game, making several key saves against Noni Madueke and Gabriel Jesus.
Crystal Palace showed more ambition after the break, pushing higher up the pitch and contesting the midfield more aggressively. However, in the 80th minute, Lacroix inadvertently turned the ball into his own net, giving Arsenal the breakthrough.
Just when it seemed the hosts would see out the win, Palace struck in stoppage time. Jefferson Lerma won an aerial duel and set up Marc Guéhi, who finished to make it 1–1 and force extra time.
In the additional period, Benítez once again denied Arsenal with a crucial save from Declan Rice, sending the tie to a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout Drama
The shootout was long and evenly matched, with both teams converting their early attempts. The deadlock continued deep into the sequence before Arsenal finally gained the edge.
William Saliba calmly scored his penalty to put the pressure on Lacroix, who missed his attempt. Goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga then stepped up with the decisive save, sealing Arsenal’s victory and a place in the semifinals.
Arsenal will now face Chelsea over two legs in the League Cup semifinals, with a spot in the final at stake.
