“It’s a huge achievement,” said Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner after his team secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over AEK Larnaca in the UEFA Conference League on March 19, 2024. The match, held in Cyprus, saw Palace advance 2-1 on aggregate after a tense extra time battle.
Ismaila Sarr emerged as the hero for Palace, netting both goals in the second leg. His performance was crucial, especially after the first leg ended in a goalless draw at Selhurst Park. The stakes were high, with Palace looking to capitalize on their maiden European campaign.
Despite the setback of having two players sent off during the match, AEK Larnaca managed to equalize with 30 minutes remaining, intensifying the drama. However, Sarr’s second goal ultimately sealed the fate of the match, allowing Palace to progress to the quarter-finals where they will face Fiorentina.
The match kicked off at 5:45 PM UK time, and both teams were eager to make their mark. Larnaca, currently second in the Cypriot league and unbeaten in the Conference League this season prior to this match, posed a significant challenge for Palace, who had only one win in their last four matches.
Glasner expressed confidence in his team’s ability to score, stating, “We are here with the confidence that we can score against them.” His words proved prophetic as Palace managed to break through Larnaca’s defense effectively.
What observers say
Javi Rozada, Larnaca’s coach, reflected on the match, saying, “We showed what we can do.” His team demonstrated resilience despite the loss and the red cards that hampered their efforts.
Looking ahead, Crystal Palace’s upcoming quarter-finals are set for April 9 and 16, where they will aim to continue their impressive run in the tournament. The excitement surrounding the team is palpable, as young player Adam Wharton noted, “It’s exciting. A quarter-final of a European competition, it’s a massive thing.”
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, the focus now shifts to Palace’s next challenge against Fiorentina, with fans eagerly anticipating what lies ahead in this historic campaign.