Palace defy Fiorentina comeback to reach Conference League semi finals
TL;DR
Crystal Palace advanced to the Conference League semi-finals with a 4-2 aggregate win over Fiorentina, despite losing the second leg 2-1. They will face Shakhtar Donetsk in the next round.
Key points
- Crystal Palace won 4-2 on aggregate against Fiorentina
- Palace lost the second leg 2-1 in Florence
- Ismaila Sarr scored an early goal for Palace
- Palace will meet Shakhtar Donetsk in the semi-finals
- They are the fifth English club to reach the Conference League last four
Crystal Palace booked their place in the Conference League semi-finals with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Fiorentina despite losing the second leg 2-1 in Florence.
When Ismaila Sarr powered in an early header, it looked like it would be more plain sailing for the Eagles, who had a four-goal aggregate lead at that point following their 3-0 win at Selhurst Park.
However, the Italian side fought back on the night, scoring either side of early the injury substitutions of Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix.
Although La Viola's second-leg display somewhat atoned for their underwhelming first-leg efforts, it was not quite enough to stop Palace reaching their first European semi-final, where they will meet Shakhtar Donetsk. Palace are the fifth English club to reach the Conference League last four after Chelsea, West Ham, Leicester and Aston Villa.
- As it happened | Teams | Stats
- Conference League results and fixtures
- Crystal Palace news & transfers🦅 | Palace fixtures & scores
Jaydee Canvot gifted Fiorentina their first glimmer of hope when he felled Rolando Mandragora in the box, catching the Fiorentina man late. Albert Gudmundsson kept his cool to send Dean Henderson the wrong way from the penalty spot.
As the penalty was awarded, play had been pulled to a halt as Wharton was down in some discomfort, after no apparent contact.
The England international, who has dealt with his fair share of injuries this season, limped off and was replaced by Jefferson Lerma after just 30 minutes played. Lacroix soon followed suit, with Oliver Glasner taking no chances, replacing the French centre-back with Chadi Riad on the brink of half-time.
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Palace began the second half, also missing the presence of Jean-Philippe Mateta, who did not emerge after the break with Jorgen Strand Larsen on in his place.
Cher Ndour's stunning goal from range came during a promising spell for Fiorentina, but, despite plugging away to test Henderson, their victory on the night was in vain.
More to follow...
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Q&A
What was the aggregate score of the Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina match?
The aggregate score was 4-2 in favor of Crystal Palace.
Who will Crystal Palace face in the Conference League semi-finals?
Crystal Palace will face Shakhtar Donetsk in the semi-finals.
When did Crystal Palace last reach a European semi-final?
This is Crystal Palace's first European semi-final appearance.
