Crystal Palace delivered a professional and potent performance at Selhurst Park on Thursday, dispatching Dutch side AZ Alkmaar 3-1 with Ismaila Sarr scoring a decisive brace to propel Oliver Glasner’s side to ninth in the Conference League league phase.
The victory, Palace’s third in a row across all competitions, was a perfect response to their surprise defeat against AEK Larnaca in their previous European outing.
VAR-Approved Goals Seal Dominant First Half
The early stages suggested a tough night for the Eagles against a well-drilled AZ Alkmaar side. However, the momentum swung decisively in Palace’s favor midway through the first half.
After Sarr had rattled the post, he won a penalty after being fouled by goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro. The Senegalese winger then saw a powerful shot saved and watched as Will Hughes’ volley cannoned off the crossbar in a spell of intense pressure.
The breakthrough finally came from an unlikely source. Defender Maxence Lacroix fired home a fierce half-volley, but the goal was subject to a lengthy VAR check for a potential offside against Jean-Philippe Mateta in the build-up. After a nervous wait of nearly three minutes, the goal was awarded, sending a wave of relief through Selhurst Park.
Palace deservedly doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time. Another period of sustained pressure ended with Ismaila Sarr prodding the ball home from close range, with VAR again confirming the goal after a check for offside.
Sarr Kills Comeback Hopes Instantly
AZ Alkmaar emerged with renewed purpose after the break and managed to pull a goal back in the 54th minute through a deflected effort from Sven Mijnans.
Any hopes of a Dutch comeback, however, were extinguished almost immediately from the kick-off. Palace restored their two-goal cushion in stunning fashion, as a sublime through ball from Mateta found Sarr, who finished with clinical precision to seal the three points and cap his excellent individual display.
Glasner Praises Team’s Competitiveness
Manager Oliver Glasner expressed his satisfaction with the result against a quality opponent. “A very good win, important win against, honestly, a very good Alkmaar team,” he told TNT Sports. “First half, it took us 10, 15 minutes, but then I think we dominated with our physicality.”
Goalscorer Maxence Lacroix echoed the positive mood, stating, “We are in a good way. We have won three games in a row so we are really happy about that and we want to continue.”
The win solidifies Crystal Palace’s position in the top half of the Conference League table, demonstrating their growing confidence and effectiveness under Glasner’s leadership as they build a compelling European campaign.
