Kenya, April 10, 2026 - Crystal Palace produced a stunning and dominant performance to thrash ACF Fiorentina 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final, putting one foot firmly in the semi-finals.
Playing at Selhurst Park, Palace combined intensity, tactical discipline, and clinical finishing to completely outclass their Italian opponents in what was one of the club’s most impressive European displays to date.
The breakthrough came in the 24th minute when Jean-Philippe Mateta calmly converted from the penalty spot after a foul inside the box, giving Palace a deserved lead following a bright start.
Palace doubled their advantage just seven minutes later. In the 31st minute, Tyrick Mitchell reacted quickest inside the area to fire home and make it 2-0, capping off a dominant first-half display that left Fiorentina struggling to cope with the hosts’ pace and pressing.
Despite enjoying more possession at times, Fiorentina failed to create clear-cut chances, with Palace’s defensive structure holding firm throughout the match. The English side remained dangerous on transitions and looked the more threatening team whenever they moved forward.
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As the game entered its final stages, Palace put the result beyond doubt. In stoppage time (90+1), Ismaïla Sarr rose to head home from a well-delivered cross, sealing a comprehensive 3-0 victory and sending the home crowd into celebration.
The result marks a huge step for Crystal Palace in their European journey. With a three-goal cushion, they now head into the second leg in Florence as overwhelming favorites to reach the semi-finals.
The defeat represents a major setback for Fiorentina. The Italian side, who have been consistent performers in this competition in recent years, now face an uphill task to overturn the deficit at home.

