Crystal Palace vs AZ Alkmaar, UEFA Conference League 2025-26
Ismaila Sarr scored twice as Crystal Palace secured 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 with a right-footed strike following a cushioned header from Marc Guehi.
- Five minutes before Lacroix's goal, Jean-Philippe Mateta's penalty was saved by AZ's goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, who denied the spot-kick after fouling Sarr.
- Sarr doubled Crystal Palace's lead just before halftime, capitalizing on a loose ball from a set-piece.
- AZ Alkmaar reduced the deficit in the 54th minute when captain Sven Mijnans’ shot deflected past Crystal Palace keeper Dean Henderson.
AZ Alkmaar's Struggles in England
AZ Alkmaar remain winless in their 11 visits to England, continuing a difficult run away from home in European competitions.
"Maxence Lacroix got on the end of Marc Guehi's cushioned header to fire a right-footed strike into the bottom-left corner for the 22nd-minute opener."
"Jean-Philippe Mateta's penalty was saved by Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, who had felled Sarr to concede the spot-kick."
Context
AZ Alkmaar had previously suffered a surprising 1-0 home defeat to Larnaca in their last Conference League outing, but they showed more resilience despite the loss at Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace’s win marks their return to winning ways in the competition after earlier challenges.
Author's summary: Crystal Palace's strong performance, led by Ismaila Sarr's two goals, ended AZ Alkmaar's winless streak in England and boosted their Conference League ambitions.