Matchday Three: AZ Alkmaar (3–1)
The response at Selhurst Park was immediate against AZ Alkmaar, who arrived in strong domestic form as Dutch Cup finalists the previous season and having won their previous five matches in all competitions.
As in their previous home European fixture, Palace created a number of chances in front of the Selhurst crowd, including Mateta’s first-half penalty on 16 minutes, which was saved. This time, however, they were able to turn pressure into goals.
After a sustained spell of dominance, a Jefferson Lerma long throw was only half-cleared, and Tyrick Mitchell looped a header back into the box from near the halfway line. Marc Guéhi and Mateta kept the move alive, with the loose ball falling to Maxence Lacroix, who thundered a half-volley into the bottom-left corner to give Palace a deserved lead.
Ismaïla Sarr then took control of the contest, reacting quickest inside the box on the stroke of half-time to convert from close range.