Crystal Palace Defeats AZ 3-1 in UEFA Conference League
Crystal Palace showed clear dominance over AZ in their UEFA Conference League match on Thursday evening at Selhorst Park. The Premier League team secured a 3-1 victory, with AZ unable to prevent more goals despite moments of luck.
Match Highlights
- Crystal Palace, qualifying through their English FA Cup win, created the opening chance in the 11th minute. Chris Richards headed a long ball back into the box, where Ismaila Sarr volleyed it onto the post.
- A penalty was awarded to the home side shortly after. A through ball from Yeremy Pino found Sarr via Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro. However, Jean-Philippe Mateta's penalty was saved by Owusu-Oduro.
- Following the missed penalty, Palace intensified their assault. Owusu-Oduro saved a strong header from Sarr, then Will Hughes struck a volley that hit the crossbar.
- The pressure paid off as Palace took the lead. Sarr nodded a long ball into the path of center back Maxine Lacroix, who volleyed sharply into the corner.
- AZ challenged Palace keeper Dean Henderson in injury time of the first half. Sven Mijnans’ shot from outside the area was pushed away by Henderson.
- Before the break, Palace doubled their advantage, extending their firm grip on the game.
"A long ball was headed back into the box by Chris Richards and taken on the chest by Ismaila Sarr before his volley hit the goalpost."
"Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has a good record from penalties, saw his effort saved by Owusu-Oduro."
"A long ball into the box was nodded down by Sarr to center back Maxine Lacroix, whose volley was low and hard into the corner."
Summary
Crystal Palace's clinical performance and strong attacking pressure earned them a comfortable win over AZ in the UEFA Conference League encounter.
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