Mateta Scores in First Start Since January as Crystal Palace Dominates Fiorentina

Jean-Philippe Mateta marked his return to Crystal Palace's starting lineup with a goal, his first since January 1, as the team took a significant step towards the Conference League semi-finals with a 3-0 victory over Fiorentina. Mateta, who hadn't started a game since January 25, successfully converted a penalty before Tyrick Mitchell capitalized on a defensive error by Fiorentina to score the second goal. Ismaila Sarr added a third goal late in the game, giving Crystal Palace a strong advantage ahead of the second leg in Florence. Crystal Palace has now gone five games without a defeat and remains unbeaten in their last seven Conference League matches. The team's renewed energy after a three-week break paid off, with a dominant performance from the start. Fiorentina, currently five points above the relegation zone in Serie A, struggled to cope with Crystal Palace's intense beginning. The game's pace led to Dodo's late challenge on Evann Guessand in the area, resulting in Mateta's penalty kick. Daichi Kamada's ball over the top found an unmarked Daniel Munoz, who played it across to Mateta, and after David de Gea saved the initial effort, Mitchell followed up to score. Fiorentina had a brief spell of threat in the second half but ultimately couldn't overcome Crystal Palace's defense. Sarr sealed Fiorentina's fate with a goal from a Kamada cross. In a post-game interview, Mateta expressed his happiness, 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 scored as well.' Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner praised Mateta, 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.'