Crystal Palace Secure UEFA Conference League Victory Over AZ Alkmaar
Crystal Palace returned to winning form in the UEFA Conference League with a 3-1 home victory against AZ Alkmaar in London. This marked their first-ever home win in the main stage of a European competition.
Match Highlights
- Maxence Lacroix opened the scoring with a sharp finish from a knockdown in the 22nd minute.
- Ismaila Sarr scored twice, first just before halftime and then again three minutes after the break, sealing the win.
- AZ Alkmaar briefly reduced the deficit through a deflected strike by Sven Mijnans in the 54th minute.
- Palace's France international Jean-Philippe Mateta missed a penalty in the 17th minute.
"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," Lacroix told TNT Sports.
With this win, Oliver Glasner's side moved to six points after three matches in the league phase.
Additional European Match Update
Mainz came from behind to secure a 2-1 home win against Fiorentina thanks to a 95th-minute goal by Lee Jae-sung.
Author's summary: Crystal Palace earned their first home victory in a major European tournament with decisive goals from Lacroix and Sarr, showing resilience after a prior unexpected loss.