Date: November 6, 2025
Venue: Selhurst Park, London
Competition: UEFA Europa Conference League 2025/26 – Group Stage
Crystal Palace earned a memorable 3–1 victory over AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park to keep their Europa Conference League 2025 campaign on track. The win, inspired by Ismaïla Sarr’s stunning brace, marks Palace’s first-ever European home victory, sending fans into celebration as the Eagles climbed higher in the group standings.
⚽ First Half: Palace Fly High
Palace started brightly, pressing high and moving the ball with intent. Their efforts were rewarded in the 22nd minute when Maxence Lacroix pounced inside the box to make it 1–0. The home side doubled their lead before half-time through Ismaïla Sarr, who slotted home coolly after a clever set-piece move to give Palace control going into the break.
🔥 Second Half: Sarr Seals the Win
AZ Alkmaar fought back after the restart, and Sven Mijnans pulled one back with a deflected strike to make it 2–1. However, Palace responded immediately. Sarr once again found space behind the AZ defense and calmly converted his second goal of the night to restore the two-goal cushion and secure all three points.
🏆 What the Result Means
This victory gives Crystal Palace six points from three games and keeps their Conference League qualification hopes firmly alive. The win also ends Palace’s long wait for a home European triumph, showcasing their growth and composure under continental pressure.
For AZ Alkmaar, it was another tough night away from home in England. Despite flashes of attacking promise, their defensive lapses proved costly once again.
📊 Match Summary
- Final Score: Crystal Palace 3–1 AZ Alkmaar
- Crystal Palace Scorers: Maxence Lacroix (22’), Ismaïla Sarr (45’, 72’)
- AZ Scorer: Sven Mijnans (53’)
- Venue: Selhurst Park, London
- Competition: UEFA Europa Conference League Group Stage
