![\"Jean-Philippe](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/skysports-jean-philippe-mateta_7074333.jpg\")
<\/p>\nCrystal Palace moved up to ninth in the Conference League league phase as they produced a professional performance to beat AZ Alkmaar 3-1.<\/p>\n
In his programme notes, Eagles manager Oliver Glasner made it clear his side needed to respond with a win after a surprise defeat to AEK Larnaca in their last European outing, but in the early stages of Thursday’s contest it looked like the well-drilled Eredivisie side were going to make them work very hard for it.<\/p>\n
Then the momentum shifted. Moments after Ismaila Sarr rattled the post, Palace were awarded a penalty after goalkeeper Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro fouled the Senegal international.<\/p>\n
After a lengthy VAR determined Sarr was onside, Jean-Philippe Mateta aimed for the bottom-right corner but his tame spot-kick was pushed away with relative ease.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Image:
\n Jean-Philippe Mateta’s penalty was saved by Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro<\/p>\n
Sarr then forced a superb save and Will Hughes’ volley came back off the crossbar, before VAR intervened again after Maxence Lacroix fired in a fierce half-volley. Mateta appeared to try and attack Marc Guehi’s downward header before Lacroix struck it.<\/p>\n
After a check that lasted two minutes and 54 seconds, it was confirmed neither had strayed offside in the build-up.<\/p>\n
![\"Maxence](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/skysports-maxence-lacroix-crystal-palace_7074335.jpg\")
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Image:
\n Maxence Lacroix put Crystal Palace in front<\/p>\n
Palace hit a deserved second in first-half stoppage time, when Sarr prodded home after head tennis followed Yeremy Pino’s floated free-kick. Again, only after a VAR check for a potential offside was the goal confirmed.<\/p>\n
![\"Crystal](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/skysports-football-ismaila-sarr_7074293.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Image:
\n Sarr has now scored eight goals in all competitions this term<\/p>\n
AZ pulled one back nine minutes after the restart, when Sven Mijnans hit a deflected shot past Dean Henderson after Palace were caught on the break.<\/p>\n
But with play having barely restarted, the hosts restored their two-goal advantage when Sarr clinically found the back of the net after a peach of a pass from Mateta – and from there, there was no way back for the Dutch side.<\/p>\n
Glasner impressed by Palace competitiveness<\/p>\n
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner speaking to TNT Sports:<\/p>\n
“A very good win, important win against, honestly, a very good Alkmaar team. This is what we expected; they play really nice football.<\/p>\n
“First half, it took us 10, 15 minutes, but then I think we dominated with our physicality, scoring nice goals and, of course missing a penalty. The beginning felt like the story of the Conference League, missing too many chances.<\/p>\n
“It was a tough game, but a very good result and performance. Maybe not on top, but it was also really OK.<\/p>\n
“We always have confidence.<\/p>\n
“In every game we’ve played now in the Conference League and also in the Premier League and all the cup competitions, we’ve showed we are competitive.<\/p>\n
“That doesn’t mean we win every single game, but it shows we can win and that’s always the most important thing.”<\/p>\n
Lacroix: I’m a defender but I can score goals<\/p>\n
Crystal Palace <\/strong>defender Maxence Lacroix<\/strong> speaking to TNT Sports:<\/p>\n “We are really happy to give this win to the fans. Everyone is happy.<\/p>\n “To be honest, I was impressed because they pressed really well, but showed that we can compete.<\/p>\n “I’m really happy to help the team; I’m a defender but I can score goals. These types of goals, with the foot, is even better.<\/p>\n “We are in a good way. We have won three games in a row so we are really happy about that and we want to continue.<\/p>\n “I won’t lie, I’m a little bit tired, but I’m happy to play games – this is why I play football.”<\/p>\n