Crystal Palace celebrated a milestone moment with their first-ever home victory in a major European competition, defeating AZ Alkmaar 3–1 at Selhurst Park. The victory was not only historic but also crucial for Oliver Glasner’s side as they strengthened their position in the UEFA Conference League group stage. Goals from Maxence Lacroix and a brilliant double by Ismaïla Sarr sealed a dominant performance for the Eagles.
Palace started the game with intensity and purpose, showing their intent to control possession and attack from the wings. Their early aggression paid off when Lacroix capitalized on a loose ball inside the box to score the opening goal, sparking loud celebrations from the home crowd. Despite Jean-Philippe Mateta missing a first-half penalty, Palace kept the pressure on and eventually found a comfortable rhythm.
The atmosphere inside Selhurst Park was electric as Sarr doubled the lead before halftime with a poacher’s finish. Even though AZ pulled one back in the second half through Sven Mijnans, Palace responded immediately, with Sarr scoring again to seal a memorable win for the London club.
Sarr Shines as the Star of the Show
Ismaila Sarr delivered one of his finest performances since joining Crystal Palace, scoring twice and causing constant problems for the Alkmaar defense. His pace, skill, and sharp instincts made him unplayable throughout the night. The Senegalese winger could have scored more if not for a series of outstanding saves from AZ’s goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro.
Sarr’s influence extended beyond his goals. He won the penalty that Mateta missed and was at the heart of nearly every Palace attack. His movement between the lines created space for teammates, allowing Palace to maintain pressure on Alkmaar’s shaky back line.
The performance was a clear statement of intent from Sarr, who is quickly becoming one of Palace’s most influential players under Glasner. His ability to rise in crucial European games bodes well for the club’s ambitions to progress deep into the competition.
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Glasner’s Tactical Masterclass Delivers Results
Manager Oliver Glasner deserves immense credit for his tactical setup, which allowed Palace to dominate from start to finish. His decision to deploy Sarr and Mateta together in attack gave the team a perfect balance of pace and power. Palace pressed high, recovered possession quickly, and transitioned efficiently—a style that reflected Glasner’s European experience.
Glasner’s defensive organization also stood out, with Dean Henderson rarely troubled apart from the deflected goal by Mijnans. The Austrian coach emphasized structured buildup play, and his players executed it with confidence. Even after Alkmaar scored, Palace didn’t panic and responded with maturity to regain control of the game.
After the match, Glasner praised his team’s focus and resilience, noting the importance of securing six points after three matches. The win not only boosts Palace’s confidence but also strengthens their bid to advance past the group stage without needing a playoff.
Selhurst Park Becomes Fortress Europe
For years, Selhurst Park has been known for its passionate atmosphere in domestic football—and now it’s beginning to build its European reputation. Fans witnessed history as Palace secured their first home victory in a major UEFA competition, a moment that will be remembered for decades.
The supporters played their part, roaring with every attack and lifting the players after the early penalty miss. The connection between the fans and the team was palpable, creating the kind of European night atmosphere that defines great clubs.
With two wins from three matches, Crystal Palace are now in a strong position to top their group and avoid the playoff round in February. If performances like this continue, Selhurst Park could soon become one of the toughest venues for visiting European teams to conquer. Also take advantage of your free time to explore more of the latest football news with just a click at footballcoasters.co.uk.