Crystal Palace kept alive their bid for a first major European trophy by surviving a tense night in Italy and sealing a place in the Conference League semi-finals.
Already carrying a commanding 3-0 lead from the first leg at Selhurst Park, Palace looked to be in complete control when Ismaila Sarr struck after 17 minutes in Florence. The winger rose to meet a Daniel Munoz cross and headed home, stretching the Eagles’ aggregate advantage to 4-0 and seemingly putting the tie beyond Fiorentina.
The home crowd had created a fierce atmosphere before kick-off in the hope of inspiring an unlikely comeback, and their team responded before half-time. Fiorentina were given a route back into the contest when Jaydee Canvot brought down Rolando Mandragora in the area. Albert Gudmundsson converted the penalty in the 30th minute, sending Dean Henderson the wrong way and reducing the gap on the night.
Fiorentina’s belief grew further after the break. Substitute Cher Ndour scored with a long-range effort eight minutes into the second half to make it 2-1 on the evening and inject fresh tension into the tie. Gudmundsson then tested Henderson again as the Italian side pushed for another goal, but the Palace goalkeeper stood firm when it mattered.
Despite late pressure and some nervous moments, Palace held on and did enough to book their place in the last four, where they will face Shakhtar Donetsk for a place in the final. The Ukrainian side advanced after completing a 5-2 aggregate win over AZ, following a 2-2 draw in the Netherlands.
The result continues a remarkable period for Palace supporters. Less than a year after watching their team beat Manchester City to win the FA Cup and secure the club’s first major trophy, they are now within touching distance of a historic European final.
There was, however, a downside for manager Oliver Glasner. Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix were both forced off in the first half with injuries, creating concern ahead of an important stretch in the season.
Sarr’s contribution again proved decisive. His goal in Florence was his 17th of the campaign, and his recent form in Europe has been especially important. Five of his seven Conference League goals have come since the start of February, underlining his value at the crucial stage of the tournament.
Palace return to Premier League action at home to West Ham on Monday, 20 April, while Fiorentina travel to Lecce in Serie A later the same day.
