Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar, UEFA Conference League 2025-26
Ismaila Sarr’s brace helped Crystal Palace secure a 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park, improving their position in the UEFA Conference League standings.
Match Summary
- Maxence Lacroix opened the scoring for Palace in the 22nd minute.
- Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty was saved by Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, who had fouled Sarr to concede the spot-kick.
- Sarr doubled Crystal Palace’s lead just before halftime by capitalizing on a set-piece.
- AZ Alkmaar pulled a goal back in the 54th minute through a deflected shot by captain Sven Mijnans.
- AZ remain winless in their 11 visits to England.
Key Moments
"Maxence Lacroix got on the end of Marc Guehi's cushioned header to fire a right-footed strike into the bottom-left corner for the 22nd-minute opener."
"Ismaila Sarr scored twice as Crystal Palace returned to winning ways in the Conference League after Thursday's 3-1 victory over AZ at Selhurst Park."
Team Performances
Oliver Glasner’s AZ side had recently suffered a surprising 1-0 home defeat to Larnaca but showed more fight in this fixture, though they ultimately fell short at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace’s Win Impact
The victory marked a strong comeback for Crystal Palace in the competition, boosted by Sarr’s clinical finishing and solid defensive moments.
Author’s summary: Ismaila Sarr’s two goals powered Crystal Palace to a 3-1 UEFA Conference League win over AZ Alkmaar, ending their losing streak and highlighting Palace’s resurgence in the tournament.