Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first goal in over three months as Crystal Palace beat Fiorentina 3-0 in the first leg of their Uefa Conference League quarter-final tie to close in on a first major European semi-final.
Match Report
Mateta, making his first Palace start since a proposed move to AC Milan collapsed, converted from the penalty spot in the 24th minute after Evann Guessand was fouled by Fiorentina defender Dodo.
The French striker played a part in Palace's second goal seven minutes as Tyrick Mitchell finished off the post after David de Gea had saved Mateta's effort from close range.
Palace were dominant in the first half. Fiorentina looked overwhelmed but emerged for the second half with renewed energy and purpose.
Giovanni Fabbian crashed a shot against the crossbar from Dodo's cut-back, before Dean Henderson was required to stop a header from Albert Gudmundsson and a low strike from Roberto Piccoli.
However, Ismaila Sarr surely booked his side's place in the final four in the 90th minute when he headed a Daichi Kamada cross past De Gea.
Palace will travel to Florence for the second leg next week, with a semi-final tie against either Shakhtar Donetsk or AZ Alkmaar of the Netherlands awaiting the victors.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
14' Highlight from Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina
18' Highlight from Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina
24' Penalty Goal! Crystal Palace 1-0 Fiorentina (Jean-Philippe Mateta)
31' GOAL! Crystal Palace 2-0 Fiorentina (Tyrick Mitchell)
51' Highlight from Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina
76' Match Event for Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina
Line-ups
Crystal Palace XI: Dean Henderson, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kamada, Sarr, Daniel Muñoz, Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards, Evann Guessand, Tyrick Mitchell, Adam Wharton, Jaydee Canvot
Subs: Clyne, Walter Benítez, Hughes, Lerma, Borna Sosa, Remi Matthews, Yeremy, Brennan Johnson, Chadi Riad, Justin Devenny, Rio Cardines
Fiorentina XI: De Gea, Albert Gudmundsson, Gosens, Marin Pongracic, Dodô, Jack Harrison, L. Ranieri, Fagioli, Piccoli, Giovanni Fabbian, Cher Ndour
Subs: Mandragora, Oliver Christensen, Jacopo Fazzini, Pietro Comuzzo, Pietro Leonardelli, Lapo Deli, Giorgio Puzzoli, Eddy Kouadio, Luis Balbo, Eman Košpo, Riccardo Braschi
pranalavKarchaejiev
1
As a mancity fan i always support epl teams in European competition whether man utd or any
Tinbcnotuy
0
mateta is order than his age
jiyceikmnz
1
jjdbhdhjgfv i8665⁵475446
Redfan
0
A good manager can bring the best out of players, in spite of some of their best leaving...
peuaceils
1
JamesPosiyana
2
De gea was scored all those
hapaeipryz
1
Huumnopryz
2
hello 🫂
Tudilopst
0
Na, wawo, monkey Wey, no, sabi, Any think,, 3, 0
Theskyisblue
7
no joy this time around for Italian teams in European competitions this season just like their national team no world cup
Voucdektu
2
Hi
hi how are you
hapbcekruz
6
Hi