Crystal Palace 3-0 Fiorentina: Goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta, Tyrik Mitchell and Ismaila Sarr keep Crystal Palace in the lead in the Conference League quarter-finals.
Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrates after scoring for Crystal Palace (Image: Steve Bardens/AMA)
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored in his first start for Crystal Palace since January as the Eagles took the lead against Fiorentina in the Conference League. The striker, who could have left Selhurst Park in the winter had it not been for an untimely injury, broke the deadlock from the penalty spot after Evan Gesand went down inside the penalty area.
Tyrick Mitchell doubled Palace’s lead as they overcame the absence of suspended record holder Jorgen Strand Larsen to keep their chances of European glory alive. They will head to Italy next week with confidence, with Sarr’s last-gasp header adding further sparkle to the scoreline.
Mateta had his eye on the challenge long before he broke the stalemate. He gave the visitors a caution within the first 10 minutes, going high to meet Daniel Muñoz’s cross but failing to find the target.
Fiorentina, two-time runners-up in the conference league, served as a reminder that they are not there just to make up the numbers. He gave Giovanni Fabian too much space between the lines, but when he sent the ball across the Palace area, Robin Gosens’ shot was wild and wide.
Munoz, a right wing-back, has been a big part of Palace’s best attacking play this season. And this time was no exception, as they intercepted a loose pass and got going, giving Oliver Glasner’s side a penalty midway through the first half.
Join us on Facebook! For the latest news, analysis and more on our Mirror Football Facebook page
read more: Explaining how the Premier League will be able to field seven Champions League teams next seasonread more: Additional slots confirmed, 11 teams will participate and compete for the Champions League
Evan Gesand had already been hit with a weak shot when right-back Dodo caught it on the follow-through, but referee Donatas Ramsas pointed out the spot and VAR ruled there was no reason to overturn it. Mateta calmly stepped up and waited for De Gea to blink first before rolling the ball into the back of the goal.
Munoz played a big role in Palace’s second goal, but it was fellow wing-back Tyrick Mitchell who scored the winning goal. Daichi Kamata’s ball past the Fiorentina defense had the perfect weight and Muñoz selfishly chose to pass the ball to Mateta. De Gea did a great job of denying the striker’s shot, but could do nothing as Mitchell followed up from close range.
Ismaila Sarr was also on Palace’s scoresheet (Image: Ryan Pearce)
Fiorentina, without injured striker Moise Kean, held their breath against a Palace side who almost won in key areas. Coach Paolo Vanoli gave his starting XI a chance to find a foothold after the break, and they almost did it five minutes into the second half.
Dodo broke down the right flank and fed Fabian in space outside the box. However, the winger’s shot, one of the brightest of the visitors up to that point, hit the top of Dean Henderson’s bar instead of going under.
Palace had no choice but to end the game soon after, but Kamata tried to catch De Gea at his near post, only for the ball to hit the side netting. Henderson was a bit busy after the break, making saves from Alberto Guðmundsson and Roberto Piccoli as the visiting team came knocking on the door, but Palace were content to bide their time and attack Fiorentina on the break when their chance presented itself.
There were plenty of chances before Sarr left Fiorentina with a mountain to climb in the 90th minute when he latched onto Kamata’s cross. Substitute Yeremy Pino lifted the ball over De Gea, but Dodo flicked it behind the keeper and could have made it four points.
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive Mirror Football content every day. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
