Crystal Palace booked their place in the Conference League semi-finals with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Fiorentina despite losing the second leg 2-1 in Florence.
2025/2026 UEFA Europa Conference League
2-1
Match Report
When Ismaila Sarr powered in an early header, it looked like it would be more plain sailing for the Eagles, who had a four-goal aggregate lead at that point following their 3-0 win at Selhurst Park.
However, the Italian side fought back on the night, scoring either side of early the injury substitutions of Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix.
Although La Viola's second-leg display somewhat atoned for their underwhelming first-leg efforts, it was not quite enough to stop Palace reaching their first European semi-final, where they will meet Shakhtar Donetsk. Palace are the fifth English club to reach the Conference League last four after Chelsea, West Ham, Leicester and Aston Villa.
Jaydee Canvot gifted Fiorentina their first glimmer of hope when he felled Rolando Mandragora in the box, catching the Fiorentina man late. Albert Gudmundsson kept his cool to send Dean Henderson the wrong way from the penalty spot.
As the penalty was awarded, play had been pulled to a halt as Wharton was down in some discomfort, after no apparent contact.
The England international, who has dealt with his fair share of injuries this season, limped off and was replaced by Jefferson Lerma after just 30 minutes played. Lacroix soon followed suit, with Oliver Glasner taking no chances, replacing the French centre-back with Chadi Riad on the brink of half-time.
Palace began the second half, also missing the presence of Jean-Philippe Mateta, who did not emerge after the break with Jorgen Strand Larsen on in his place.
Cher Ndour's stunning goal from range came during a promising spell for Fiorentina, but, despite plugging away to test Henderson, their victory on the night was in vain.
Match Events
3' Highlight from Fiorentina vs Crystal Palace
17' GOAL! Fiorentina 0-1 Crystal Palace (Ismaïla Sarr)
30' Penalty Goal! Fiorentina 1-1 Crystal Palace (Albert Gudmundsson)
51' Highlight from Fiorentina vs Crystal Palace
53' GOAL! Fiorentina 2-1 Crystal Palace (Cher Ndour)
81' Highlight from Fiorentina vs Crystal Palace
Line-ups
Fiorentina XI: De Gea, Albert Gudmundsson, Gosens, Mandragora, Marin Pongracic, Manor Solomon, Jack Harrison, L. Ranieri, Fagioli, Piccoli, Pietro Comuzzo
Subs: Oliver Christensen, Jacopo Fazzini, Giovanni Fabbian, Cher Ndour, Pietro Leonardelli, Lapo Deli, Giorgio Puzzoli, Eddy Kouadio, Luis Balbo, Eman Košpo, Riccardo Braschi
Crystal Palace XI: Dean Henderson, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Kamada, Sarr, Daniel Muñoz, Maxence Lacroix, Chris Richards, Yeremy, Tyrick Mitchell, Adam Wharton, Jaydee Canvot
Subs: Clyne, Walter Benítez, Hughes, Lerma, Borna Sosa, Remi Matthews, Jørgen Strand Larsen, Brennan Johnson, Chadi Riad, Justin Devenny, Kaden Rodney, Rio Cardines