Oliver Glasner was speaking after Crystal Palace's 3-0 win over Fiorentina in the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner speaking after their win over Fiorentina
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner speaking after their win over Fiorentina(Image: 2026 UEFA)
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Oliver Glasner sensed "something special" at Selhurst Park as Crystal Palace romped to a convincing 3-0 win over Fiorentina in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, returning to the starting line-up for the first time since January, got Palace off the mark with a first-half penalty, before Tyrick Mitchell doubled the Eagles' advantage prior to the break. Ismaila Sarr then headed home in stoppage time to ensure Palace head into next week's second leg with a commanding lead.
Thursday night's display in south London was notably more assured and self-assured from Palace, with both players and fans seemingly united in their desire to raise their game to a new level.
"It's a pleasure for everybody as long as the European journey lasts," said Glasner. "Of course Fiorentina is a big name, Italian football is a big name, and so everybody expected a very tight game, whereas in the last games it felt like everybody expected a clear win.
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"The circumstances were different. I think all of this created a special atmosphere today, and I think this is the special atmosphere we needed always. Playing a European competition is always something special, especially when you have it the first time in your club's history.
"Today I could feel that there was something special, and I think it was a special atmosphere and a special performance."
Mateta was brought into the starting XI in place of the suspended Jorgen Strand Larsen, and netted his first Palace goal since New Year's Day when he coolly converted a 24th-minute penalty.
He came close to adding a second just seven minutes later, but Palace still managed to double their lead when Tyrick Mitchell tucked away the rebound past David de Gea.
Sarr, who has been a key figure in Palace's European campaign, was then set up by an excellent Daichi Kamada cross and powered an impressive header into the net.
Sections of the Palace support were disgruntled back in January, when Mateta voiced his desire to depart but was blocked from a proposed move to AC Milan due to a knee problem.
He was greeted with a mixed response upon his return to action in mid-March, yet on Thursday evening received a warm round of applause when he was substituted late in the game.
"I think that's what JP deserves," added Glasner. "He always gives 100 per cent effort to the team, 100 per cent effort for Crystal Palace, and he's got so many important goals for us.
"He had a tough period, he was six weeks he couldn't hit the ball and train on the pitch and he was really working hard to get back. I'm pleased for him, I'm pleased for Crystal Palace, because he's a great player, a great striker, and we will need him.
"I think he will need to rest against Newcastle, but then it's great to have Jorgen Strand Larsen back. It looks quite good right now."
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