Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has lauded his team's "huge achievement" after a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over AEK Larnaca propelled the Eagles into the quarter-finals of the UEFA Conference League. The dramatic win sets up a tantalising clash with Italian side Fiorentina, marking another historic step in Palace's burgeoning European journey.
A Night of High Drama in Cyprus
The match, played on Thursday 19 March 2026, saw Palace take an early lead through winger Ismaila Sarr in the 13th minute, capitalising on their goalless first-leg draw. However, AEK Larnaca defender Enric Saborit equalised in the 63rd minute, only to be sent off ten minutes later after receiving a second yellow card, reducing the Cypriot side to ten men.
Sarr Seals the Deal in Extra Time
The decisive moment came nine minutes into extra time when Sarr fired Palace back into the lead, putting the Eagles 2-1 ahead. The Senegalese international nearly completed a hat-trick, clipping the crossbar on two separate occasions. The second near-miss occurred after AEK Larnaca were reduced to nine men following Petros Ioannou's dismissal, compounding the home side's woes.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Glasner expressed his pride in the team's accomplishment. "It's a huge achievement," he stated. "We are looking forward and it is now to really make the best with the three weeks, because our next competitive game is against Fiorentina at Selhurst Park."
Strategic Preparations for the Quarter-Final
Glasner outlined the club's plans during the international break, noting that many players will join their national teams. "We will have a few days off and then many of our players go to their national team and then we will prepare," he explained. "We will play a friendly to stay in the rhythm. It's good. I expect (forward) Eddie Nketiah back, so everybody will help us, because then it will be a very tight schedule until the end of the season, and hopefully our European journey continues."
Sarr's Pivotal Role in Palace's Success
Ismaila Sarr, who joined Palace from Marseille in August 2024 for a reported £12.6 million, has proven to be a crucial acquisition. His knack for scoring in pivotal moments has been instrumental in the club's recent successes. Last season, his second-half brace against Aston Villa helped secure Palace's place in the FA Cup final at Wembley, where they clinched their first major trophy and earned entry into European competition.
Sarr also played a key role in the Community Shield victory over Liverpool, scoring an equaliser that forced a penalty shootout and converting one of the successful spot-kicks. Thursday night's winner marked his fifth Conference League goal of the campaign, a testament to his growing influence.
Teammate Acclaim for Sarr's Impact
Palace midfielder Adam Wharton praised Sarr's contributions, highlighting his versatility and speed. "(Sarr) has been doing well in the Premier League as well. He's been scoring a lot of goals, getting a lot of assists, and he's so quick," Wharton told TNT. "Especially against these teams, if you get that little bit of space in behind because they are so compact, it works wonders having him, so we're really happy to have him."
This victory not only underscores Palace's resilience but also solidifies their status as a rising force in European football. As they prepare to face Fiorentina, the Eagles will aim to build on this momentum and extend their historic run in the Conference League.
