Mateta Scores on Return to Starting Lineup as Palace Thrash Fiorentina

Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrated his first start since January with a goal, helping Crystal Palace secure a dominant 3-0 victory over Fiorentina in the Conference League quarterfinals. Mateta, who had not started a game since January 25, converted a penalty kick before Tyrick Mitchell scored the second goal, capitalizing on a defensive blunder by Fiorentina. Ismaila Sarr added a third goal late in the game, putting Palace in a strong position ahead of the second leg in Florence. The win marked Palace's fifth consecutive game without a loss and extended their unbeaten run in the Conference League to seven games. Crystal Palace's lineup consisted of Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Canvot, Munoz, Wharton, Kamada, Mitchell, Sarr, Guessand, and Mateta, with Pino, Lerma, Hughes, and Johnson coming off the bench. Kamada was named the Player of the Match. Following a three-week break, Palace appeared rejuvenated, displaying a newfound energy that Fiorentina struggled to contain. The Italian side, currently five points above the relegation zone in Serie A, found it challenging to cope with Palace's intense start. The game's pace led to a penalty kick for Palace after Dodo's late challenge on Evann Guessand in the area, which Mateta successfully converted. Shortly after, Mitchell scored the second goal, following up on Mateta's initial effort that was saved by David de Gea. Although Fiorentina showed some promise in the second half, they were largely unable to threaten Henderson's goal, except for a shot that hit the bar. Sarr ultimately sealed the win for Palace with a late goal, converting a cross from Kamada. In a post-game interview, Mateta expressed his happiness with the win, stating, 'What a night. It's been a long time, I didn't play, I didn't start. I'm very happy and very happy my guy (Mitchell) scored as well. Team Mitchell!' He also praised the team's effort, saying, 'They know me, I keep working hard. I'm always here to hope for the victory. Today we did it. It's not finished, we have one more game in Italy.' Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner praised Mateta's performance, saying, 'I think that's what JP deserves. He always gives 100 per cent effort to the team, 100 per cent effort for Crystal Palace. He's scored so many important goals for us, and he also had a tough period now.' Glasner also commended the team's overall performance, stating, 'It was a great performance from my team, especially in the first half and from minute 70 until the end.'