Mateta Scores on Return to Starting Lineup as Crystal Palace Defeat Fiorentina

Jean-Philippe Mateta celebrated his first start since January with a goal, as Crystal Palace dominated Fiorentina 3-0 in the Conference League quarterfinals. Mateta converted a penalty kick before Tyrick Mitchell took advantage of a defensive mistake to score the second goal. Ismaila Sarr added a third goal late in the game, giving Palace a significant advantage ahead of the second leg in Florence. Palace have now gone five games without a loss and are unbeaten in their last seven Conference League matches. The team's renewed energy after a three-week break paid off, with Oliver Glasner's side displaying a different level of intensity from the start. Fiorentina struggled to cope with Palace's strong beginning, which led to Dodo's late challenge on Evann Guessand in the area and Mateta's successful penalty kick. Daichi Kamada's pass found an unmarked Daniel Munoz, who played it across to Mateta, and after David de Gea saved the initial effort, Mitchell scored the second goal. Fiorentina had a brief spell of threat in the second half but failed to test Henderson significantly before Sarr sealed their fate with a goal from a Kamada cross. 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 scored as well.' 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.'