Crystal Palace booked their place in the UEFA Conference League semi-finals with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Fiorentina, despite losing the second leg 2-1 in Florence. Carrying a 3-0 first-leg advantage from Selhurst Park, Oliver Glasner's side rode out a spirited Italian fightback to keep alive their pursuit of a first major European trophy.
Ismaila Sarr's early header set Palace on their way, but goals from Albert Gudmundsson and Cher Ndour briefly threatened to reignite the tie. With first-half injuries to Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix testing their resolve, Palace dug in and will now face Shakhtar Donetsk in the last four.
Sarr Header Tilts the Tie Beyond Reach
The Florentine arena was at its noisiest before kick-off, the home support producing a fierce atmosphere in the hope of inspiring a famous comeback. Daniel Munoz wasted a chance to settle Palace inside the opening two minutes when his effort flew well off target, but the Colombian made amends in the 17th minute when his cross was met emphatically by Sarr.