Throughout Crystal Palace’s Conference League campaign, the Eagles have been touted as favourites for the competition, yet much of their European journey has proven to be a slog, with Oliver Glasner’s side edging their way to the quarter-final stage.
But on the most important night of Palace’s season, they finally lived up to that tag by producing a superb display to beat Fiorentina 3-0 thanks to goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta, Tyrick Mitchell and Ismaila Sarr.
This game was a different kettle of fish for the hosts given the pedigree of the Italian side, who had David de Gea in goal on his return to England.
Palace, fresh from a three-week break, raced out of the blocks amid a boisterous atmosphere at Selhurst Park and created a series of early chances until they struck.
It was perhaps fitting that Mateta put them ahead from the penalty spot after Evann Guessand, superb until he came off with injury, was fouled, given it is just over two months since his deadline day move to AC Milan fell through.
The Frenchman has been jeered by Palace fans in recent times and he was only making his first start since then because of Jorgen Strand Larsen’s suspension.
Crystal Palace beat Fiorentina 3-0 in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final tie
Jean-Philippe Mateta (No 14) scored on his first start since his deadline day move to AC Milan collapsed
David de Gea was playing in England for the first time since his Man United exit in 2023
This was a redeeming night for Mateta though, and he received a rapturous reception when substituted late on.
‘What a night,’ he said post-match. ‘It’s been a long time, I didn’t play, I didn’t start. I dreamt about [scoring] for nights. I did and I am so happy.’
The Eagles overwhelmed Fiorentina in the first period, and Daichi Kamada showed his European pedigree by pulling the strings from midfield.
Yet it may be the performance of Daniel Munoz that will please Glasner most.
The Colombian was back to his best after his recent injury troubles, and he played a key role in the second goal when Tyrick Mitchell fired home after De Gea made a great save from Mateta.
The former Man United stopper was kept busy, although Giovanni Fabbian hit the crossbar as Fiorentina sent a warning sign to the hosts.
But the Eagles held firm, and then added the cherry on top of one of their best nights of the season when Sarr nodded home in the final minute to put one foot in the semi-finals and ensure that their favourites tag isn’t going anywhere.
