**2015–16 FA Cup**
The 2015–16 FA Cup was the 135th edition of the Football Association Challenge Cup, the oldest national football competition in the world. The tournament featured clubs from various levels of English football, culminating in a final held at Wembley Stadium. It was notable for its dramatic matches and the triumph of Manchester United, who secured their 12th FA Cup title.
## Overview
The 2015–16 FA Cup began in August 2015 with the extra preliminary rounds and concluded with the final on 21 May 2016 at Wembley Stadium in London. A total of 736 teams entered the competition, ranging from amateur clubs in the lower tiers of English football to Premier League giants. The FA Cup is a knockout tournament, with single-match ties and replays in earlier rounds if matches end in a draw.
## Format and Entry
The competition followed the traditional FA Cup format, starting with several qualifying rounds for non-league clubs. Clubs from League One and League Two entered at the first round proper, while Championship and Premier League clubs joined in the third round proper. Matches were played as single-leg ties, with replays used to decide drawn matches up to the quarter-finals. From the quarter-finals onward, ties were settled on the day with extra time and penalties if necessary.
## Key Rounds
### Early Rounds
The early rounds featured numerous non-league clubs, with several lower-tier teams achieving notable victories over higher-ranked opponents. The first round proper saw the entry of League One and League Two clubs, increasing the competition’s intensity. Some non-league teams progressed to the second round, highlighting the tournament’s reputation for „giant-killing” acts.
### Third Round
The third round proper marked the entry of Premier League and Championship clubs, often producing high-profile matches. This round is traditionally one of the most anticipated stages of the FA Cup, as it can feature clashes between top-flight teams and lower-league underdogs. In the 2015–16 edition, several Premier League clubs were eliminated, underscoring the competition’s unpredictability.
### Later Rounds
The fourth and fifth rounds narrowed the field to the strongest contenders. Notable matches included several upsets and closely contested ties. The quarter-finals and semi-finals were played at neutral venues, with the semi-finals held at Wembley Stadium. These rounds featured some of the season’s most memorable matches, including dramatic comebacks and penalty shootouts.
## Final
The 2015–16 FA Cup Final was contested between Manchester United and Crystal Palace on 21 May 2016 at Wembley Stadium. Manchester United won the match 2–1 after extra time, with goals from Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard securing the victory. Crystal Palace had taken the lead through Jason Puncheon, but United equalized late in regular time before prevailing in extra time. This victory marked Manchester United’s 12th FA Cup title and their first since 2004.
## Notable Performances and Statistics
– **Top Scorer:** The tournament’s top scorers included players from various clubs, with several individuals scoring multiple goals across different rounds.
– **Giant-Killers:** Non-league and lower-league teams such as Lincoln City and Sutton United made headlines by defeating higher-ranked opponents.
– **Attendance:** The FA Cup continued to draw significant crowds, with the final attracting over 89,000 spectators at Wembley.
– **Broadcasting:** Matches were widely televised, reflecting the competition’s status as a major event in English football.
## Legacy
The 2015–16 FA Cup reinforced the competition’s reputation for drama and unpredictability. Manchester United’s triumph added to their storied history, while the performances of lower-league clubs highlighted the depth and passion of English football. The tournament also served as a platform for emerging talents and memorable moments that resonated with fans across the country.
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**META_DESCRIPTION:**
The 2015–16 FA Cup was the 135th edition of England’s oldest football knockout competition, culminating in Manchester United’s 12th title after a dramatic final against Crystal Palace. The tournament featured 736 teams and memorable upsets throughout its rounds.