Crystal Palace Reach Conference League Semi-Finals Despite 2-1 Loss to Fiorentina in Florence
Palace advance on aggregate after testing night in Florence
Crystal Palace are through to the UEFA Conference League semi-finals after completing a 4-2 aggregate victory over Fiorentina, despite losing the second leg 2-1 in Florence. The Eagles arrived in Italy with a commanding advantage following their 3-0 first-leg win at Selhurst Park, but the return fixture proved far more complicated than the early stages suggested it might be.
An early goal from Ismaila Sarr appeared to put Palace on course for a comfortable evening, stretching their aggregate cushion even further. Yet Fiorentina responded with purpose and intensity, scoring twice on the night and forcing Palace into a more conservative, tie-management approach for long spells. The match also took on a different complexion due to first-half injuries to Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix, which reduced Palace’s options and required careful in-game adjustments.
In the end, Palace’s overall work across the two legs was enough. Their first-leg performance gave them the platform, and their second-leg resilience ensured they protected what mattered most: a place in the last four of a European competition.
Sarr’s early header sets the tone, before Fiorentina’s response
Palace began with the sort of start that can drain belief from an opponent. Sarr powered in an early header, a moment that made the aggregate situation look even more daunting for Fiorentina. With Palace already three goals up from the first leg, the early strike suggested the tie could be effectively settled long before the final whistle.
But Fiorentina refused to let the night drift away. The Italian side’s response was aided by a costly Palace error. Jaydee Canvot conceded a penalty after bringing down Rolando Mandragora in the box, catching him late. Albert Gudmundsson converted from the spot, sending Dean Henderson the wrong way and giving Fiorentina a clear route back into the contest on the night, even if the broader task across the tie remained steep.
Fiorentina later added a second, a long-range strike from Cher Ndour during a period in which they were enjoying a promising spell. The goal underlined their improved display compared with the first leg, and it briefly heightened the tension around Palace’s aggregate lead. However, despite Fiorentina’s pressure and probing, Palace were able to see out the tie without conceding the kind of opening that would have transformed the wider picture.
Two first-half injuries disrupt Palace’s plans
The match’s rhythm was shaped not only by Fiorentina’s fightback but also by Palace’s injury problems. As the penalty was awarded, play had been halted because Wharton was down in discomfort, with no apparent contact. The midfielder, who has dealt with injuries this season, was unable to continue and limped off after 30 minutes. He was replaced by Jefferson Lerma.
Palace’s issues compounded close to half-time when Lacroix also had to be withdrawn. Manager Oliver Glasner opted for caution, bringing on Chadi Riad to replace the French centre-back before the interval. The double change in the first half inevitably reduced Palace’s flexibility later in the game, particularly in a tie where game management and calm decision-making were central to getting the job done.
After the match, Lacroix posted an image captioned “No problem, thank you Lord” in reference to his injury while celebrating the team’s progression, offering a positive note amid the concern.
Half-time change as Mateta is withdrawn
Palace made another significant adjustment at the break. Jean-Philippe Mateta did not return for the second half, with Jorgen Strand Larsen coming on in his place. Glasner later explained the reasoning, indicating that Mateta could not be expected to play the full 90 minutes and that the earlier injury substitutions had already limited the options available to react as the match developed.
With personnel changes affecting the structure of the side, Palace’s second-half approach leaned more heavily towards organisation and defensive discipline. Fiorentina’s second goal arrived relatively early after the restart, which could have unsettled a team already reshaped by injuries. Instead, Palace steadied themselves and focused on closing down spaces, limiting clear chances and ensuring the tie did not swing into chaos.
What the result means: Palace into a first European semi-final
Progression to the semi-finals represents a landmark moment for Crystal Palace: their first European semi-final. It also places them among a short list of English clubs to reach the Conference League last four, following Chelsea, West Ham, Leicester and Aston Villa.
There was also a sense, even within the disappointment of a second-leg defeat, that Palace’s work across the two matches deserved recognition. Fiorentina’s improved performance in Florence “somewhat atoned” for their first-leg showing, but it was not enough to overturn the damage done in London. Palace’s ability to build a decisive advantage at home and then navigate a challenging away leg was ultimately the story of the tie.
Next opponents: Shakhtar Donetsk, with dates confirmed
Palace will face Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Conference League semi-finals. Shakhtar booked their place in the last four by beating AZ Alkmaar 5-2 over two legs.
The semi-final schedule is set. The first leg will be played on April 30, with the second leg on May 7. Palace will have the advantage of hosting the return leg at Selhurst Park. The opening match of the tie will require Palace to travel to Poland, where Shakhtar play their home games due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Semi-final first leg: April 30 (Palace away)
Semi-final second leg: May 7 (Palace at Selhurst Park)
Match narrative: from early control to late resilience
The second leg followed a pattern that often emerges when one team carries a substantial advantage into an away fixture. Palace’s early goal suggested they might be able to turn the evening into a controlled exercise, but the combination of conceding a penalty and suffering injuries shifted the tone.
Fiorentina’s goals came at moments that mattered: the penalty restored belief and gave their crowd something tangible to hold onto, while Ndour’s long-range strike arrived during a positive spell and ensured the closing stages would carry genuine edge. Yet Palace’s defensive work after going 2-1 down was crucial. Glasner later argued that, while his team did not play “really attacking football” after that point, they defended well and showed resilience, which is often decisive in knockout football.
That resilience was arguably the defining quality of the night. Palace had to make changes, absorb pressure, and remain focused on the bigger picture across two legs. They did so, and the aggregate scoreline reflected the balance of the tie.
Player ratings and standout performer
Ismaila Sarr was named Player of the Match after his early header set the tone for Palace’s qualification. The team’s ratings from the match reflected a night in which Palace were not at their most fluent but remained effective enough to progress.
Dean Henderson 5
Daniel Munoz 6
Maxence Lacroix 5
Jaydee Canvot 5
Chris Richards 6
Tyrick Mitchell 6
Adam Wharton 5
Daichi Kamada 6
Ismaila Sarr 7 (Player of the Match)
Jean-Philippe Mateta 5
Pino 5
Substitutes used: Lerma (6), Hughes (6), Larsen (5), Riad (6).
Glasner: “In the quarter-final, it’s never easy”
After the match, Palace manager Oliver Glasner described the tie as a reminder of how quickly a quarter-final can become complicated, even with a strong first-leg advantage. He pointed to the early lead and a big chance for Munoz in the opening minutes as moments that could have made the evening more straightforward. Instead, the penalty changed the emotional tone of the contest, giving Fiorentina renewed belief.
Glasner also highlighted how the two first-half substitutions affected Palace’s ability to respond later, explaining that it reduced the options available. He referenced the decision to substitute Mateta at half-time, noting that the forward could not play 90 minutes and that the earlier injury-enforced changes had to be considered.
On the second-half goal that made it 2-1, Glasner acknowledged the quality of the strike and the challenge of going behind early after the break. He praised his team’s reaction and stressed that knockout football is not always about playing expansively. In his view, Palace’s defensive organisation, resilience, and togetherness were the key factors that ensured Fiorentina did not create the kind of opening that would have threatened the overall outcome.
Injury updates: Wharton and Lacroix concerns
Glasner provided further detail on the injuries in his post-match news conference. He said Wharton felt pain in his adductor, adding that this was the reason the midfielder had to leave the England camp the previous week. The severity of the issue was not confirmed, with Glasner indicating that the situation would need to be assessed.
On Lacroix, Glasner revealed the defender suffered a medial ligament injury in his knee, though he expressed hope that it would not be “too serious”. With a semi-final approaching, Palace will be monitoring both players closely as they prepare for the next stage of their European campaign.
Henderson: “3-0 is a dangerous scoreline”
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson reflected on the significance of the moment for Palace and the challenge of protecting a big first-leg lead. He described the achievement as “unbelievable” for the club and spoke about “writing a new chapter” in its story.
Henderson also acknowledged the psychological complexity of a tie that begins with a 3-0 advantage from the first leg, calling it a “dangerous scoreline” because of the uncertainty in how the return match can unfold. His view was simple: Palace found a way through, and that is what matters at this stage.
He credited the supporters for staying with the team during difficult periods of the season and expressed hope that the squad can deliver something special. Looking ahead, Henderson framed the next phase as “business time” of the season, emphasising togetherness and momentum as Palace continue their run.
A campaign shaped by setbacks, now approaching a defining moment
Palace’s path to the semi-finals has not been straightforward. The club were not originally expected to be in this competition, but after being moved into the Conference League due to UEFA ownership rules, they have still managed to turn the situation into a historic opportunity.
The wider context of their season has included periods of disruption. Glasner has spoken previously about feeling abandoned at times, with Palace not ready for the workload after losing key players in the summer and again in January. Injuries also played a role, impacting domestic form. The second leg in Florence offered a snapshot of those challenges, with Wharton and Lacroix both forced off in the first half.
Yet the European campaign continues. Palace are now within reach of a final in Leipzig, and the semi-final against Shakhtar represents the next test. The second-leg defeat to Fiorentina will not be remembered as a perfect performance, but it may be remembered as a necessary one: a night when Palace had to absorb pressure, adapt to setbacks, and still complete the job.
Key takeaways from Fiorentina 2-1 Crystal Palace (Agg: 2-4)
Crystal Palace progressed to the UEFA Conference League semi-finals with a 4-2 aggregate win.
Ismaila Sarr scored early with a header and was named Player of the Match.
Fiorentina’s comeback on the night included a Gudmundsson penalty and a long-range goal by Cher Ndour.
Palace suffered first-half injuries to Adam Wharton (adductor pain) and Maxence Lacroix (medial ligament knee injury).
Palace will play Shakhtar Donetsk in the semi-finals, with legs on April 30 and May 7, hosting the second leg at Selhurst Park.
For Palace, the headline remains clear: they are into the last four, still chasing a first European trophy, and still building momentum in a season that has demanded resilience at every turn.