Crystal Palace Vs AZ Alkmaar, UEFA Conference League 2025-26
Ismaila Sarr’s brace helped Crystal Palace secure a 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park, improving their position in the UEFA Conference League.
Match Summary
- Maxence Lacroix opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, converting a header from Marc Guehi with a precise right-footed shot into the bottom-left corner.
- Jean-Philippe Mateta missed a penalty for Palace earlier, saved by AZ goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro after fouling Sarr.
- Sarr scored his first goal just before halftime by capitalizing on a defensive error from a set-piece delivery.
- AZ Alkmaar pulled a goal back in the 54th minute when Sven Mijnans’s deflected shot wrong-footed Crystal Palace’s Dean Henderson, adding some drama to the match.
Additional Facts
- AZ Alkmaar remains without a win in 11 visits to England in European competition.
- Oliver Glasner’s AZ side had suffered a surprising 1-0 home defeat to Larnaca in their previous Conference League outing.
“Ismaila Sarr scored twice as Crystal Palace returned to winning ways in the Conference League after Thursday's 3-1 victory over AZ at Selhurst Park.”
This win marked a return to form for Crystal Palace in the tournament, with strong displays from their defense and attack.
Author's Summary
Ismaila Sarr’s two goals powered Crystal Palace’s 3-1 Conference League win over AZ Alkmaar, ending AZ's winless run in England and boosting Palace's campaign.