Crystal Palace Dominates Fiorentina with 3-0 Victory in Conference League Quarter-Final
Oliver Glasner experienced a thrilling night at Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace triumphed over Fiorentina with a convincing 3-0 scoreline in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final. The match began with Jean-Philippe Mateta, making his first start since January, scoring a penalty in the 24th minute. Shortly after, Tyrick Mitchell doubled the lead before halftime, and Ismaila Sarr capped off the victory with a header just before full-time. Glasner noted the palpable energy in the stadium, stating, “It’s a pleasure for everybody as long as the European journey lasts.” He acknowledged the significance of facing a strong team like Fiorentina, emphasizing the special atmosphere that surrounded the match. Key highlights from the match include: Mateta's first goal since New Year’s Day from the penalty spot. Mitchell scored following a rebound, showcasing the team's offensive persistence. Sarr scored with a powerful header assisted by Daichi Kamada. Despite a challenging period earlier in the season, Mateta received a warm reception from fans, a stark contrast to the mixed feelings when he expressed a desire to leave in January. Glasner praised Mateta's dedication, stating, “He always gives 100 percent effort for Crystal Palace.” Looking ahead, Glasner mentioned the importance of resting Mateta before their next match against Newcastle, while welcoming back Jorgen Strand Larsen. The team's current momentum looks promising as they prepare for the second leg.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-04-09