Crystal Palace earned their first home win in the main phase of European competition as they outclassed Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.
Yeremy Pino threaded an excellent ball through to Ismaila Sarr inside the penalty area in the 16th minute. The Senegalese attacker won a spot-kick after contact from AZ goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro.
Jean-Philippe Mateta stepped up, but his low effort was mediocre, and the Dutch ‘keeper comfortably stopped down to his left. However, Maxence Lacroix netted the Eagles’ first home goal in the main phase of a European competition minutes later, bulleting a wonderful strike into the bottom corner inside the area.
Sarr doubled the lead just before half-time, getting on the end of Chris Richards’ cutback from a deep free-kick. AZ earned a lifeline in the 54th minute when Sven Mijnans' left-footed strike deflected off Daniel Munoz and left Dean Henderson rooted. However, Palace restored their two-goal advantage within three minutes as Sarr slotted his effort past the AZ shot-stopper, receiving the ball in behind.
Match Highlights
Crystal Palace Player Ratings
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Dean Henderson – 7/10
Made a big double save just before half-time to keep AZ at bay. The second was the pick of the pair, showing quick reactions to smother Ibrahim Sadiq and stop him from squeezing in. Distribution was good. Could not have done anything about the goal; a deflection from Daniel Munoz took it past him.
Marc Guehi – 7/10
Composed performance both defensively and in possession. Received a silly yellow card for kicking the ball away late on.
Maxence Lacroix – 8/10
Marshalled Troy Parrot expertly; the Irish international was not given a sniff. Exceptional strike fired Palace ahead, driving into the bottom corner after a scramble.
Chris Richards – 7/10
Used as the target for Palace’s deep free-kicks, with floated balls aimed at him to head back into central areas for others to attack the second ball. The routine nearly paid off in the 12th minute when Sarr hit the post, and a similar situation led to Palace’s opening goal.
Tyrick Mitchell – 8/10
Outstanding. Dribbled past only once, won most of his duels, exceptionally strong in tackles. One of the best one-on-one defenders in England. Thomas Tuchel must stop overlooking him and include him in the England squad tomorrow.
Jefferson Lerma – 7/10
Long throws proved a useful weapon for Palace. Presence was noticeable from set plays. Strong in midfield, did well to stop a few AZ openings in transition.
Will Hughes – 7/10
Incredible dipping volley with the outside of his boot struck the crossbar, would likely have been the best goal of his career if it went in. Solid in possession and broke play up well.
Daniel Munoz – 6/10
Not as active as usual, but still busy. Defended the right side competently.
Yeremy Pino – 7/10
Did not show his dribbling quality as much as the Selhurst Park faithful would have liked. Linked up well with Mateta and Sarr. Worked hard and put in a solid effort defensively.
Jean-Philippe Mateta – 6/10
Took a disappointing penalty, making it easy for the goalkeeper to get down to his left and stop it. Clever assist for Palace’s third goal – he won back possession and held the ball well before timing the release perfectly for Sarr’s run beyond the AZ backline, allowing the Senegal international to finish one-on-one.
Ismaila Sarr – 9/10
AZ made the mistake of playing a high line, and that unleashed the beast that is Ismaila Sarr. Two goals. Bundled the first over the line after a scramble in the box. Showed intelligence to run beyond the AZ backline undetected, utilising his blistering pace to receive Mateta’s pass and drill into the bottom corner. By far the best player on the pitch.
AZ Alkmaar Player Ratings
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Owusu-Oduro 7; Chavez 6, Penetra 6, Goes 6, Dijkstra 6 (de Wit ’62); Smit 7 (Boogaard ’80), Mijnans 7, Koopmeiners 6 (Dekker ’80); Sadiq 6, Parrott 6 (Zeefuik ’74); Patati 6 (Jensen ’61).