Mateta Makes Impact on Return as Crystal Palace Take Control Against Fiorentina

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta marked his first start since January with a goal, helping his team secure a 3-0 victory over Fiorentina in the Conference League quarterfinals. Mateta converted a penalty kick before Tyrick Mitchell added a second goal, capitalizing on a defensive error by Fiorentina. Ismaila Sarr sealed the win with a late goal, putting Palace in a strong position ahead of the second leg in Florence. The win extends Palace's unbeaten run to five games and seven Conference League matches without a loss. A three-week break seemed to have revitalized the team, as they displayed renewed energy from the start. Fiorentina struggled to cope with Palace's intense pace, and despite a brief spell of pressure in the second half, they were unable to overcome the deficit. Palace's victory was marked by impressive performances from several players, including Daichi Kamada, who provided the assist for Mitchell's goal and later set up Sarr's strike. Mateta expressed his happiness with the win, stating that he had dreamed of scoring and was pleased to have made a significant contribution to the team's success. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner praised Mateta's efforts, noting that he always gives 100 percent and has scored crucial goals for the team. Glasner also commended the team's overall performance, highlighting their energy and determination. With the win, Palace takes a significant step towards advancing to the Conference League semifinals.