Crystal Palace prepare for first-ever European quarter-final against Fiorentina | OneFootball

Crystal Palace host Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on Thursday in the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final.

The tie represents a historic moment for Crystal Palace as they prepare for the club’s first European quarter-final.

Oliver Glasner’s side have reached the last eight after edging past AEK Larnaca in a dramatic round-of-16 encounter.

The Eagles were held to a goalless draw in the first leg in London before securing a 2–1 extra-time victory in Cyprus.

Despite scraping through that tie, Palace approach the quarter-final with growing confidence after improving results in recent weeks.

The London club have lost just two of their last 11 matches across all competitions.

However, their domestic campaign has been inconsistent and they continue to struggle for stability in the Premier League.

Selhurst Park has not always been a fortress for Palace this season.

Glasner’s side have won only two of their last 13 home matches in all competitions.

Both victories have come in their last four home games though, and those matches also produced four consecutive clean sheets.

The Eagles will hope that momentum carries into what is arguably the biggest European night in the club’s history.

Fiorentina arrive in London with far greater experience of European knockout football.

The Italian side have reached the semi-finals in each of the last three editions of the Conference League.

Despite falling short in two finals during that period, the competition remains a major target for the club this season.

La Viola have also shown signs of improvement in recent weeks after a difficult Serie A campaign.

They are currently unbeaten in six matches following a narrow 1–0 victory over Hellas Verona.

That run has helped ease their domestic concerns and allowed greater focus on their European ambitions.

Fiorentina will also take confidence from their strong away form.

The Italian side have won five of their last six competitive away matches heading into the quarter-final.

Palace will nevertheless aim to make the most of their home advantage in the first leg.

Forward Jean-Philippe Mateta could play a key role after scoring several important goals at Selhurst Park this season.

Fiorentina will likely look to their own attacking threats, including Roberto Piccoli, who has been particularly effective away from home.

Both teams enter the tie with renewed belief despite their domestic struggles.

For Palace, the occasion offers an opportunity to make history on the European stage.

For Fiorentina, the objective remains clear as they attempt to take another step towards finally winning the Conference League trophy.

With both sides showing improved form, the opening leg at Selhurst Park promises to be a competitive and intriguing encounter.