Crystal Palace Reach Conference League Semi-Finals After Fiorentina Defeat in Florence

Palace advance despite second-leg setback

Crystal Palace are into the UEFA Conference League semi-finals after completing a 4-2 aggregate win over Fiorentina, even though the second leg ended in a 2-1 defeat in Florence. The tie had been shaped heavily by Palace’s 3-0 first-leg win at Selhurst Park, and that cushion ultimately proved decisive on a night when Fiorentina were far more competitive and Palace were forced to manage the game under pressure.

The result sends Palace into a last-four meeting with Shakhtar Donetsk. It also marks a significant milestone for the club: their first European semi-final. Palace become the fifth English side to reach the Conference League semi-finals, following Chelsea, West Ham, Leicester and Aston Villa.

A fast start: Sarr’s header extends the advantage

Palace began the evening with the kind of opening that suggested the tie might be settled early. Ismaila Sarr powered in a header to put the visitors ahead on the night, a goal that briefly made the aggregate margin even more imposing. With the first-leg 3-0 already in the bank, Sarr’s strike gave Palace a four-goal aggregate lead at that stage.

The early goal also reflected Palace’s intent to avoid a passive approach. They were not simply protecting their advantage; they were looking to play on the front foot and remove any lingering doubt. Oliver Glasner later referenced a big early chance as well, pointing to an opportunity for Daniel Munoz within the opening minutes that could have made the contest even more comfortable.

Fiorentina respond as injuries disrupt Palace

Fiorentina did not fold, however, and their response came in a sequence of moments that changed the tone of the match. Palace’s control was challenged not only by Fiorentina’s increased urgency, but also by a pair of first-half injuries that forced Glasner into early changes and reduced his options for the remainder of the game.

The first turning point was a penalty conceded by Jaydee Canvot. Canvot brought down Rolando Mandragora in the box, catching the Fiorentina player late and giving the home side a route back into the contest. Albert Gudmundsson converted from the spot, keeping his composure and sending Dean Henderson the wrong way.

As the penalty was awarded, play had already been halted because Adam Wharton was down in discomfort after no apparent contact. Wharton, who has dealt with injuries this season, was unable to continue and was replaced by Jefferson Lerma after 30 minutes. Palace then suffered another blow shortly before half-time when Maxence Lacroix also had to be withdrawn. Glasner opted not to take chances with the centre-back and introduced Chadi Riad on the brink of the interval.

After the match, Lacroix posted an image captioned “No problem, thank you Lord” in reference to his injury while celebrating the team’s progression.

Second-half changes and a moment of quality from Fiorentina

Palace’s reshuffled side faced further adjustment at the break. Jean-Philippe Mateta did not return for the second half, with Jorgen Strand Larsen coming on in his place. Glasner later explained that Mateta could not be expected to play 90 minutes, and the earlier forced substitutions had already narrowed Palace’s capacity to react as the match developed.

Fiorentina’s best spell of the match followed, and it was capped by a standout strike from Cher Ndour. His goal from range put Fiorentina 2-1 up on the night and briefly increased the tension around the stadium, particularly given how early it came in the second half.

From Palace’s perspective, the challenge was no longer about chasing the match in Florence; it was about managing the aggregate lead, settling the tempo, and ensuring Fiorentina did not generate the kind of momentum that can turn a knockout tie. Despite continued effort from the Italian side, Palace were able to limit the damage and see out their overall advantage.

Resilience over fluency: how Palace finished the job

Glasner’s assessment after the final whistle was that Palace had done what knockout football often demands. He acknowledged the tie became “a very difficult game to manage,” particularly after making two first-half substitutions that reduced the options available later. He also highlighted the importance of the team’s reaction after going 2-1 down, describing it as strong and pointing to Palace’s defensive work and collective resilience.

Palace were not chasing a second-leg win at all costs. Instead, they prioritised organisation and togetherness, ensuring Fiorentina were not handed the kind of clear chances that might have transformed the tie. Glasner’s view was that Palace did not give Fiorentina “a big chance” later in the match, and that over the two legs his side deserved to reach the semi-finals.

Injury concerns: Wharton and Lacroix forced off

While Palace will celebrate reaching the last four, the match also raised immediate questions about player fitness. Glasner revealed Wharton was forced off after feeling pain in his adductor. He added that this was the reason Wharton had to leave the England camp the previous week, and suggested the club would need to assess the severity.

Glasner also provided an update on Lacroix, saying the defender suffered a medial ligament injury in his knee. The Palace manager expressed hope that it is not “too serious,” but the timing is far from ideal with a European semi-final approaching.

Henderson’s reaction: “Write a new chapter”

Dean Henderson, who was beaten by Gudmundsson’s penalty, spoke about the significance of the moment for the club. He described the achievement as “unbelievable,” placing it in the context of recent progress and calling this run another chapter in Palace’s story.

Henderson also credited supporters for staying with the team through difficult periods this season and looked ahead to what could still be achieved. He acknowledged the potential danger of a 3-0 first-leg lead, calling it a “dangerous scoreline,” but stressed the only thing that mattered was getting through. His comments underlined a common theme in two-legged ties: the second leg can be uncomfortable, but progression is the priority.

What comes next: Shakhtar Donetsk in the semi-finals

Crystal Palace will face Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Conference League semi-finals. Shakhtar booked their place in the last four by beating AZ Alkmaar 5-2 over two legs.

The schedule is set, with the first leg on April 30 and the second leg on May 7. Palace will have a second-leg advantage, meaning they will host Shakhtar in the return fixture at Selhurst Park.

The first leg will take place in Poland, which is where Shakhtar play their home games due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

A campaign shaped by change, pressure and unexpected history

Palace’s European run has carried an unusual backdrop. The club were not originally supposed to be in this competition, but after being demoted to the Conference League as a result of UEFA ownership rules, they have continued to progress and are now within one tie of a final in Leipzig.

The journey has not been straightforward. The campaign has demanded squad depth and adaptability, and the second leg in Florence offered a snapshot of that reality: an early goal, a penalty conceded, two first-half injuries, a half-time change, and then a period of sustained pressure after a long-range strike. Palace still found a way through.

There have also been broader challenges during the season. Glasner has spoken previously about feeling abandoned at one stage, and the team’s domestic form suffered amid injuries and the workload. Palace were not ready for the demands placed on them after losing key players in the summer and again in January, and injuries further disrupted continuity.

Yet, in Europe, they have continued to move forward. The victory on aggregate against Fiorentina keeps alive the possibility of ending what has been described as the most successful period in the club’s history with a first European trophy.

Key match details

• Competition: UEFA Conference League, quarter-finals
• Second leg: Fiorentina 2-1 Crystal Palace
• Aggregate: Crystal Palace win 4-2
• Palace scorer: Ismaila Sarr (header)
• Fiorentina scorers: Albert Gudmundsson (penalty), Cher Ndour (long-range goal)
• Injuries: Adam Wharton (adductor pain), Maxence Lacroix (medial ligament injury, knee)
• Next round: Semi-final vs Shakhtar Donetsk
• Semi-final dates: First leg April 30; second leg May 7

Player ratings snapshot and standout performer

Palace’s ratings on the night reflected a performance that mixed bright moments with periods of strain. Henderson was rated 5, while Sarr, the goalscorer, was rated 7 and named Player of the Match. Munoz, Richards, Mitchell and Kamada were among those rated 6, while several others were rated 5 in a match that became more about survival than style.

• Crystal Palace ratings: Henderson 5, Munoz 6, Lacroix 5, Canvot 5, Richards 6, Mitchell 6, Wharton 5, Kamada 6, Sarr 7, Mateta 5, Pino 5
• Substitutes: Lerma 6, Hughes 6, Larsen 5, Riad 6
• Player of the Match: Ismaila Sarr

Looking ahead

For Palace, the Florence defeat will quickly be filed under “job done.” The club’s priority was to protect the advantage built at Selhurst Park, and they did so under testing circumstances. The semi-final against Shakhtar now becomes the next major step in a campaign that has already delivered a historic first European semi-final appearance.

Glasner’s side will hope the injury concerns do not linger, particularly with Wharton and Lacroix both forced off before half-time. Even so, Palace’s ability to adapt on the night—changing shape and personnel while holding firm—may prove just as valuable in the next round as the attacking quality that set the tie up in the first place.