Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar, UEFA Conference League 2025-26
Ismaila Sarr scored twice as Crystal Palace secured a 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park, enhancing their position in the UEFA Conference League.
Match Highlights
- Maxence Lacroix opened the scoring for Crystal Palace in the 22nd minute with a precise right-footed shot following a cushioned header from Marc Guehi.
- Earlier, Jean-Philippe Mateta missed a penalty when his shot was saved by AZ goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, who earned the spot-kick after fouling Sarr.
- Ismaila Sarr doubled Palace's lead right before halftime by capitalizing on a defensive lapse from AZ during a set-piece.
- AZ Alkmaar pulled one goal back in the 54th minute thanks to a deflected effort by captain Sven Mijnans that wrong-footed Crystal Palace’s keeper Dean Henderson.
Team Performance
After suffering a home defeat to Larnaca in their previous Conference League match, Oliver Glasner's AZ Alkmaar bounced back but still remain without a win in 11 visits to England.
“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.”
The win marks an important turnaround for Palace as they continue their pursuit of Conference League success this season.
Author's Summary
Ismaila Sarr’s brace powered Crystal Palace to a vital 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar, marking their return to winning form in the UEFA Conference League campaign.