Crystal Palace defeat AZ Alkmaar in UEFA Conference League
Crystal Palace returned to winning form in the UEFA Conference League with a 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar in London. The win marked their first home success in the main stage of a European competition and moved Oliver Glasner’s team to six points after three games.
Match summary
Maxence Lacroix opened the scoring in the 22nd minute with a precise finish after a knockdown. Ismaila Sarr doubled the lead on the stroke of halftime, converting from close range. Despite a deflected goal from Sven Mijnans early in the second half giving the visitors hope, Sarr quickly restored Palace’s two-goal cushion with a composed one-on-one finish.
Key moments
- Jean-Philippe Mateta missed a 17th-minute penalty for Palace.
- Lacroix’s opener broke the home side’s European scoring drought.
- Sarr’s brace sealed the result soon after AZ’s brief comeback attempt.
“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 Maxence Lacroix to TNT Sports.
Elsewhere in the competition
Mainz came from behind to beat Fiorentina 2-1 at home, with Lee Jae-sung scoring the decisive goal in the 95th minute.
Author’s summary
Crystal Palace’s 3-1 triumph over AZ Alkmaar revived their European campaign, highlighted by Lacroix’s opener and Sarr’s decisive double for Glasner’s determined side.