Crystal Palace have booked their place in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League, overcoming Fiorentina on aggregate despite a narrow defeat in Florence. Following a commanding 3-0 victory in London, Oliver Glasner’s side had built a cushion strong enough to withstand late pressure from the Italian outfit.

The return leg started in perfect fashion for the visitors. Ismaïla Sarr struck early to extend Crystal Palace’s aggregate lead, effectively putting one foot in the next round and silencing the home crowd.

However, Fiorentina refused to go quietly. Albert Gudmundsson converted from the penalty spot before the break to restore some hope, and in the second half Cher Ndour fired the hosts into the lead on the night, sparking belief of an unlikely comeback.

What followed was relentless pressure from Fiorentina, who pushed forward in waves in search of the goals they desperately needed. Yet Dean Henderson and the Crystal Palace defence stood firm under intense scrutiny, showing resilience and composure in crucial moments.

At full-time, the aggregate score of 4-2 confirmed Crystal Palace’s progression, ending Fiorentina’s European hopes and sending the Premier League side into uncharted territory.

2025-26, Conference League

Fiorentina - Crystal Palace 2:1 (1:1)
Goals: Sarr Is., 17 (0:1); Gudmundsson A., 30 (penalty) (1:1); Ndour, 53 (2:1)

Fiorentina: de Gea; Pongracic; Ranieri; Comuzzo (Kouadio, 70); Gosens (Balbo Luis, 70); Mandragora; Gudmundsson A. (Fabbian, 75); Fagioli (Ndour, 46); Harrison; Solomon (Fazzini, 75); Piccoli R.
Substitution: Ndour (from 46); Kouadio (from 70); Balbo Luis (from 70); Fazzini (from 75); Fabbian (from 75)
Bench: Christensen O.; Kospo
Yellow Cards: Pongracic 40; Comuzzo 45; Ranieri 67; Ndour 87; Piccoli R. 90

Crystal Palace: Henderson D.; Muñoz D.; Mitchell T.; Lacroix M. (Riad Chadi, 41); Canvot; Richards Chr.; Sarr Is.; Pino Y. (Hughes W., 73); Wharton A. (Lerma, 30); Kamada; Mateta (Strand Larsen, 46)
Substitution: Lerma (from 30); Riad Chadi (from 41); Strand Larsen (from 46); Hughes W. (from 73)
Bench: Matthews Remi; Benitez W.; Clyne; Sosa B.; Cardines; Rodney K.; Johnson B-n; Devenny
Yellow Cards: Pino Y. 40; Sarr Is. 56; Riad Chadi 76