
Crystal Palace took the lead against Fiorentina in the UEFA Conference League quarter-final after Jean-Philippe Mateta converted a controversial penalty. The penalty was awarded following a foul by Dodo on Evan Guessand, despite the questionable impact on the play.
Watch: Mateta & Mitchell give Crystal Palace lead over Fiorentina after controversial Dodo penalty
Crystal Palace took a controversial penalty in their stead on Thursday evening to take the lead against Fiorentina in their UEFA Conference League quarter-final.
Jean-Philippe Mateta converted from the spot after Dodo fouled Evan Guessand in the box.
However, Dodo’s foul on the Palace forward came after the player had already taken a poor shot at goal. Whilst the Brazilian’s follow through was not great, it had no effect on play.
Whether it should or should not have been given is up for debate but one thing is for certain, the yellow card shown to the Fiorentina man in the aftermath, likely for dissent, will see him miss the second leg in Florence.
You can follow all the action from the rest of the match, as it happens, on our Liveblog.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 07: Jean-Philippe Mateta of Crystal Palace reacts during the Premier League match between Fulham and Crystal Palace at Craven Cottage on December 07, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Shortly after, the Premier League side doubled their lead through Tyrick Mitchell after the full-back pounced on a rebound after the hosts forced a good save out of David De Gea.
Fiorentina have a mountain to climb, now, or at the very least must enforce damage limitation so as to not leave themselves with too much of a hurdle in to clear in the second leg.
Crystal Palace have a two goal lead after just 30 minutes 🔥 Tyrick Mitchell forces it home at Selhurst Park 🙌 📺 Stream with TNT Sports on HBO Max pic.twitter.com/zgnbrGnIuB
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The controversy stemmed from Dodo's foul on Evan Guessand occurring after Guessand had already taken a poor shot, raising questions about the penalty's legitimacy.
Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the penalty for Crystal Palace after it was awarded for a foul by Dodo.
Crystal Palace took the lead against Fiorentina, but the final outcome of the match is not provided in the text.



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