Crystal Palace Close In on Conference League Semi-Finals with Dominant Fiorentina Victory

Crystal Palace F.C. moved a step closer to the UEFA Conference League semi-finals with an emphatic 3–0 victory over ACF Fiorentina in the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

Jean-Philippe Mateta, making his first start since January, played a pivotal role as he opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 24th minute at Selhurst Park.

The hosts doubled their advantage seven minutes later when Tyrick Mitchell reacted quickest to convert the rebound after Mateta’s initial effort was denied, following a well-worked attacking move.

Palace sealed a commanding first-leg lead deep into stoppage time, as Ismaïla Sarr headed home from a precise delivery by Daichi Kamada.

Mateta, who had recently returned from injury and endured a mixed reception after a failed move to AC Milan, delivered a performance that won over the home support, earning warm applause upon his late substitution.

Despite flashes of resistance from Fiorentina—where David de Gea made several key interventions—the visitors struggled to convert their chances, with efforts from Giovanni Fabbian and others failing to trouble Palace’s lead.

The result gives Palace a significant advantage heading into the second leg in Italy, placing them firmly on course for a historic place in the semi-finals of the competition.