Crystal Palace defeat AZ Alkmaar in UEFA Conference League
Crystal Palace returned to form in the UEFA Conference League with a 3-1 home win over AZ Alkmaar in London. The result marked their first-ever home victory in the main stage of a European competition after a surprising loss to AEK Larnaca.
Match Overview
Defender Maxence Lacroix opened the scoring for Palace in the 22nd minute with a precise finish. Ismaila Sarr followed with two goals, completing a brace that secured the win for Oliver Glasner’s team. The victory moved the Eagles to six points after three group-stage matches.
“The game we lost here was sad for us but we said before we want to give the win to the fans. Everyone deserves it,” said Lacroix to TNT Sports.
Key Moments
- Jean-Philippe Mateta missed a 17th-minute penalty, continuing Palace’s early tension.
- Lacroix gave Palace the lead five minutes later with a composed strike.
- Sarr added the second goal just before halftime from close range.
- A deflected shot by Sven Mijnans in the 54th minute pulled one back for AZ Alkmaar.
- Only three minutes later, Sarr secured the 3-1 result with a smart one-on-one finish.
Elsewhere in Europe
Mainz completed a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Fiorentina, thanks to a 95th-minute strike from Lee Jae-sung.
Author’s Summary
Crystal Palace earned a vital European triumph, led by Lacroix and Sarr, restoring confidence and rewarding home fans with a historic win.