In a crucial quarter-final match of the 2025/26 EFL Cup, Arsenal, after conceding an equalizer in regular time, ultimately defeated Crystal Palace 8-7 on penalties to advance to the semi-finals. Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa stated that the team's mental adjustment during the ups and downs of the game was a major factor in their victory.

In the 80th minute of the second half, Saka took a corner kick, and Crystal Palace defender Lacroix inadvertently kicked the ball into his own net while clearing it in the ensuing scramble, giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead.

In the second half stoppage time, Crystal Palace took a free kick, Jefferson Lerma headed the ball towards goal, and Gueye followed up by kicking the ball into the net, helping Crystal Palace equalize the score at 1-1.

In the penalty shootout, Ødegaard, Rice, Saka, Trossard, Merino, Carafiori, Timber, and Saliba all scored their penalties, while Lacroix's penalty was saved by Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa. Ultimately, Arsenal defeated Crystal Palace 8-7 on penalties to advance to the semi-finals.

Arsenal goalkeeper Kepa, 31, said: "We've made it to the next round, everyone is happy, and I think we've put in a lot of effort. We should have scored two or three goals in the first half, we played very well. In the second half, the game became more of a close contest."

“Even so, we still created some great chances. In recent games, we've conceded goals in the final moments, which is something we need to address. But I have to give credit to my teammates in the penalty shootout; they were fantastic. They kept us in the competition and gave me the opportunity to make the save.”

Kepa also stated, "Emotionally, you have to stay focused and strong because when the team concedes a goal in the final moments and immediately goes to penalties, the players have to be 100% focused on the opposing penalty taker, and I have to make the saves. So it's a mental shift, and it worked. We were prepared for anything that could happen; we were facing a very strong team, so that was a possibility."

“We discussed these situations before the match. We have an excellent group of goalkeepers who communicate frequently and try to keep their attention on the next penalty kick, always focusing on the next one.”

Kepa added, "If we want to win the championship, this is the kind of challenge we're facing now, and it's what we're looking for. I think both semi-finals will be heavyweight matches, and the process will definitely be tough, but we will be fully prepared and do our best to win."