Ismaila Sarr on Target as Crystal Palace Defeat Troy Parrott’s AZ Alkmaar in the Conference League

Crystal Palace reignited their debut European campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park on Thursday evening.

The win was crucial for Oliver Glasner’s side as they looked to strengthen their chances of bypassing February’s UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round. Palace achieved it comfortably, thanks to first-half goals from Maxence Lacroix and Ismaila Sarr, which compensated for Jean-Philippe Mateta’s missed penalty.

The game could have been wrapped up by half-time. Palace struck the woodwork twice, while visiting goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro produced a string of superb saves — notably denying Sarr from close range and keeping out Mateta’s effort from the penalty spot.

AZ Alkmaar were a shadow of the formidable team that Louis van Gaal guided to the Eredivisie title in 2009. Their current manager, Maarten Martens — a key player in that title-winning side — at least saw his team pull one back early in the second half through captain Sven Mijnans, whose effort took a heavy deflection.

Republic of Ireland forward Troy Parrott started for the Dutch side but was substituted in the 74th minute.

Palace responded immediately, tearing into Alkmaar once more as Mateta set up Sarr to slot home his second of the night, helping the London side recover from their earlier surprise defeat to AEK Larnaca and take firm control of their European destiny.

From the outset, Palace were dominant. Early in the game, Chris Richards nodded a deep free-kick back across goal towards Sarr, who controlled on his chest before unleashing a powerful half-volley against the post.

Moments later, Sarr was involved again, winning Palace a penalty after being brought down by Owusu-Oduro. Initially flagged offside, a VAR review overturned the decision, but Mateta failed to capitalise — his weak spot-kick easily saved by the Alkmaar goalkeeper.

Owusu-Oduro continued to frustrate Palace, producing a stunning reflex save to deny Sarr’s header. Alkmaar failed to clear their lines, and Will Hughes’ clever lob struck the crossbar — concluding a frantic two-minute spell in which the visitors somehow remained level.

In the 22nd minute, Lacroix finally broke the deadlock, rifling the ball home after Alkmaar failed to clear a loose ball in the box. The home supporters’ celebrations were briefly paused for a three-minute VAR check before officials confirmed that Mateta was not offside in the build-up — allowing Palace’s first-ever home goal in European competition proper to stand.

Goalkeeper Dean Henderson, largely untroubled in the first half, was alert to push away Ibrahim Sadiq’s low drive and quickly smothered the rebound. Palace remained in complete control, and their dominance was rewarded when Sarr doubled the lead — arriving unmarked at the far post to toe home Lacroix’s flick-on.

Palace briefly gifted Alkmaar a lifeline with a defensive mix-up inside the box, allowing Mijnans to pounce and score via a heavy deflection. However, the error proved inconsequential. Within minutes, the two-goal cushion was restored as Mateta threaded a perfectly weighted pass through the centre for Sarr, who raced clear and finished coolly into the bottom corner.

It was a commanding performance from Crystal Palace, who now look well poised to advance confidently in their maiden European adventure.