Crystal Palace bounced back in the Conference League with a dominant 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park, led by a stellar performance from Senegalese winger Ismaila Sarr. Sarr's two goals helped the Eagles secure their first home win in the main draw of a European competition, reigniting their campaign after a surprise defeat to AEK Larnaca.
The match began with Crystal Palace on the front foot, eager to assert their dominance. However, an early penalty awarded after Sarr was brought down in the box was missed by Jean-Philippe Mateta, as his spot-kick was saved by AZ goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro. Despite the setback, Palace continued to press, and their efforts were rewarded in the 22nd minute when Maxence Lacroix powerfully converted Marc Guehi's header into the bottom-left corner.
AZ Alkmaar struggled to contain Crystal Palace's attacking threat, and their defense was breached again just before halftime. Lacroix flicked a header across the six-yard box, and Sarr was on hand to finish, doubling Palace's advantage.
The Dutch side showed signs of life early in the second half when captain Sven Mijnans' shot deflected past Crystal Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson, reducing the deficit. However, any hopes of a comeback were quickly extinguished as Sarr grabbed his second goal just three minutes later, coolly slotting home after being played through by Mateta.
Sarr's brace brings his total to six goals and one assist in 14 appearances across all competitions for Crystal Palace this season. The 27-year-old had not scored in his previous four Conference League matches, making his performance against AZ Alkmaar all the more impactful.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner expressed his relief and satisfaction with the team's performance, particularly after a week filled with discussions about fixture congestion and its impact on the squad. Glasner had made only one change to the starting lineup from their previous win against Brentford, with Will Hughes replacing Daichi Kamada in midfield.
The victory was crucial for Crystal Palace's chances of progressing in the Conference League and eased the pressure caused by their congested fixture schedule. The team is also vying to have their Premier League match against Leeds moved to accommodate their Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal.
The win lifts Crystal Palace to eighth in their Conference League group. Meanwhile, AZ Alkmaar's struggles in England continued, as they have now lost all 11 of their visits to the country in major European competitions. Their winless streak in major European away games extends to 13 matches.
Crystal Palace will face Brighton in the Premier League on Sunday.
