AZ Outclassed by Crystal Palace in 3-1 UEFA Conference League Defeat
Crystal Palace delivered a convincing 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening in the UEFA Conference League. The English side dominated much of the match, with AZ avoiding heavier defeat mainly due to luck at Selhurst Park.
First-Half Pressure and Missed Chances
Palace, who joined the competition after winning the English FA Cup, began pressing early. Their first clear chance arrived in the 11th minute when Chris Richards headed a long ball into the area. Ismaila Sarr controlled it on his chest and struck a volley that hit the post.
Moments later, a precise pass from Yeremy Pino set up Sarr again, who was then brought down by Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, leading to a penalty. Jean-Philippe Mateta, normally reliable from the spot, saw his effort saved by the AZ goalkeeper.
Palace Take the Lead
Despite the missed penalty, Palace maintained relentless pressure. Owusu-Oduro denied a close-range header from Sarr, and Will Hughes followed up with a looping volley that clipped the crossbar. The breakthrough came soon after when a deep delivery into the box was nodded down by Sarr for Maxine Lacroix, who volleyed a powerful shot into the corner.
AZ’s Lone Response
AZ finally threatened in first-half stoppage time. Sven Mijnans forced Palace goalkeeper Dean Henderson into a fine save with a strike from distance, but just a minute later, the hosts doubled their advantage, putting the Dutch side on the back foot for the rest of the match.
“AZ were comfortably beaten by English Premier League side Crystal Palace on Thursday evening in the UEFA Conference League.”
Author’s Summary
Crystal Palace showcased their superiority with a dominant 3-1 win over AZ, controlling the tempo and creating chances that left little doubt about the outcome.