Did Lacroix and Sarr Propel Crystal Palace Past AZ Alkamaar in the Conference League?
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Synopsis
Crystal Palace celebrated a triumphant return to form in the UEFA Conference League, with Maxence Lacroix and Ismaila Sarr leading the charge against AZ Alkamaar. This exhilarating match showcased the team's resilience and determination, rekindling hopes for the season. Discover how this victory sets the stage for an exciting derby ahead!
Key Takeaways
- Crystal Palace secured a crucial 3-1 victory over AZ Alkamaar.
- Lacroix scored the first European goal at Selhurst Park.
- Sarr displayed a strong performance with two goals.
- The win marks a turnaround after a previous loss to AEK Larnaca.
- Upcoming derby against Brighton & Hove Albion is seen as pivotal for the team.
London, Nov 7 (NationPress) Crystal Palace has rejuvenated their scoring prowess after a goalless outing against AEK Larnaca, achieving their first home victory of the league phase with a 3-1 triumph over AZ Alkamaar on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Conference League.
Maxence Lacroix and Ismaila Sarr found the back of the net in the first half, overcoming AZ goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, who had previously saved a penalty from Jean-Philippe Mateta and blocked Sarr's close-range attempt. Sven Mijnans managed to pull one back, but Sarr sealed the win with a brilliant strike from a defense-splitting pass from Mateta, leaving AZ with merely one victory in three matches.
Lacroix mentioned that the earlier loss to AEK Larnaca fueled Palace’s determination against the Dutch team, who entered this season’s UEFA Conference League as one of the top contenders.
The first-half goal from Lacroix marked Palace’s inaugural score at Selhurst Park in a major European contest, complemented by Sarr’s brace either side of the break, ensuring a jubilant return for the SE25 Eagles.
“We are incredibly pleased, thrilled to secure this victory for our fans and with our performance,” Lacroix shared with TNT Sports. “Everyone enjoys seeing goals here at Selhurst, so it's a joyous occasion for all.”
“We are very delighted. The prior match against Larnaca was disheartening for us, but before this game, we vowed to deliver this victory to our supporters, and I believe we accomplished that today.”
“We are on a strong trajectory. Winning three consecutive matches makes us very happy, and we aim to keep this momentum going. We have the derby against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, which will be a crucial moment for us.”
Point of View
Crystal Palace's resurgence in the UEFA Conference League after a disappointing previous match is a testament to the team's resilience. The contributions from players like Lacroix and Sarr highlight their potential, making them key figures to watch as they prepare for the upcoming derby. This victory not only lifts team spirits but also reinforces their aspirations in the tournament.
NationPress
07/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score of the match?
Crystal Palace won 3-1 against AZ Alkamaar.
Who scored the goals for Crystal Palace?
Maxence Lacroix and Ismaila Sarr scored, with Sarr netting twice.
What significance did Lacroix's goal hold?
It marked Crystal Palace's first-ever goal at Selhurst Park in a major European competition.
Who is Crystal Palace's next opponent?
They will face Brighton & Hove Albion in an important derby match.
How has the team's recent performance been?
They have won three consecutive matches, boosting their confidence significantly.
