Key Takeaways
- Crystal Palace beat Fiorentina 4-2 on aggregate to reach their first-ever European semi-final.
- Ismaila Sarr’s early goal in Florence helped Palace stay ahead despite a 2-1 second-leg loss.
- Palace will face Shakhtar Donetsk next, with the return leg at Selhurst Park on 7 May.
Crystal Palace are through to the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals after edging past Fiorentina 4-2 on aggregate, despite slipping to a 2-1 defeat in Thursday’s second leg in Florence.
Ismaila Sarr headed the Eagles in front after only seven minutes, stretching their overall lead to 4-0 and seemingly ending the contest. Yet the Serie A side rallied, scoring twice to win the night and give the tie a late spark.
Early injuries forced Palace into two changes before half-time. Adam Wharton pulled up with a groin problem and Maxence Lacroix later hurt his knee, adding to manager Oliver Glasner’s selection headaches.
Albert Gudmundsson pulled one back from the spot after Jaydee Canvot fouled Rolando Mandragora, and Cher Ndour’s long-range rocket made it 2-1 early in the second half. Fiorentina pressed for more but Dean Henderson stood firm when called upon, and Palace saw out the final minutes to book a last-four meeting with Shakhtar Donetsk.
The Ukrainian champions overcame AZ Alkmaar 5-2 on aggregate and will host the first leg in Poland on 30 April, with Palace welcoming them to south London a week later.
Palace become only the fifth English club to reach this stage of the competition, following Chelsea, Leicester City, West Ham United and Aston Villa. Their European run began after a Uefa ruling on multi-club ownership pushed them into the Conference League, yet they have seized the chance to create history.
Speaking after the final whistle, goalkeeper Dean Henderson praised the fans for staying loyal during a bruising domestic campaign. “To write a fresh chapter for this club is phenomenal,” he said. “We’ve got momentum now and we believe we can go all the way.”
Glasner admitted the tie turned tense after the quick goals and injuries. “We had to show resilience,” the Austrian coach explained. “Over two legs we deserved to progress, but tonight reminded us how cruel European football can be.”
Medical staff will assess Wharton and Lacroix in the coming days. Wharton had only just returned from England duty after a similar complaint, while Lacroix’s knee issue is feared to involve medial ligament damage.
Palace return to Premier League action at the weekend before switching focus back to Europe and a shot at the 29 May final in Leipzig.