Crystal Palace secured their place in the Conference League semi-finals despite a 2-1 defeat at Fiorentina on Thursday, progressing 4-2 on aggregate. Ismaila Sarr headed Palace into an early lead, but goals from Albert Gudmundsson and Cher Ndour made for a tense finale in Florence.
Sarr's 17th-minute header from Daniel Muñoz's cross gave the visitors a commanding aggregate advantage. Fiorentina pulled one back before half-time when Jaydee Canvot was penalised for a foul on Rolando Mandragora, allowing Gudmundsson to score from the penalty spot. Injuries to Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix added to Palace's concerns, with Wharton later confirmed to have a suspected adductor problem.
Ndour's 25-yard strike early in the second half reduced the deficit further, but Palace held firm to book a last-four meeting with Shakhtar Donetsk. Manager Oliver Glasner praised his players' resilience, noting that most of the squad had never experienced European football before. “Every single game, every single experience helps us to grow individually and as a team,” he said, while revealing the players had been granted a night out in Florence to celebrate.
Glasner, who is leaving the club in January, drew comparisons with his Eintracht Frankfurt side that won the Europa League in 2022. Around 1,400 Palace fans made the trip, with many travelling without tickets. One stand at the Stadio Franchi was closed due to renovation work, but the travelling supporters created a vibrant atmosphere with flags and flares organised by the Holmesdale Fanatics.
