Sarr shines as Palace beat AZ to claim first home European win | OneFootball

Crystal Palace secured their first home victory in a major European competition with a 3-1 win over AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park, thanks to a sparkling performance from Ismaila Sarr.

The Eagles were on top from the off, with Chris Richards’ clever header setting up Sarr to smash a half-volley against the post early on.

Moments later, Sarr was brought down by AZ keeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, only for Jean-Philippe Mateta to see his penalty saved after a lengthy VAR check confirmed the foul.

Palace continued to press, Will Hughes hitting the bar as the pressure mounted. The breakthrough finally came in the 22nd minute when Maxence Lacroix lashed home after the visitors failed to clear their lines. Another long VAR delay followed, but the goal stood to the delight of the home crowd.

Sarr doubled the lead just before the break, reacting quickest in a crowded box to poke home from close range after Lacroix flicked on a set piece.

AZ briefly threatened a comeback early in the second half when Sven Mijnans’ deflected effort wrong-footed Dean Henderson, but any nerves were quickly settled. Within minutes, Mateta slipped Sarr through on goal and the Senegalese winger coolly slotted into the far corner to restore the two-goal cushion.

It was a commanding display from Oliver Glasner’s side, who bounced back from their earlier home defeat to AEK Larnaca and now look firmly in control of their Europa Conference League campaign.