Jorgen Strand Larsen delivered a decisive double for Crystal Palace, securing a comfortable 3‑0 win over Middlesbrough and guaranteeing the club’s passage into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup. The Norwegian striker found the back of the net once in each half, capitalising on well‑orchestrated moves that highlighted Palace’s tactical discipline and counter‑attacking flair. A third goal arrived from the bench when substitute Daichi Kamada lofted a precise pass over Middlesbrough’s keeper Sol Brynn, completing a clinical performance that belied the early dominance of the Championship side. From the opening whistle, the atmosphere at Selhurst Park was electric, with the home crowd expecting a stern test against a side that had entered the match with eight changes, including the Championship’s top scorer Will Lankshear on the bench.
Despite the fresh faces, Middlesbrough struggled to translate possession into clear-cut chances, often finding themselves thwarted by Palace’s organised defence and quick transitions. Palace adopted a patient, compact shape, allowing the visitors to press forward while remaining vigilant on the break. Early on, the plan was tested when Yeremy Pino, still finding his rhythm, misplaced a pass that sparked a Middlesbrough attack. Goalkeeper Walter Benítez, however, made a risky distribution to Ben Chilwell, inadvertently inviting further pressure.
Middlesbrough’s young winger Amario Cozier‑Duberry threatened the goal, forcing Benítez into a save, but the home side soon regained composure, stringing together a series of crisp passes that culminated in Pino’s effort being blocked. The first half saw several promising forays from the Boro side.
David Strelec turned and shot, while Callum Brittain attempted a drive, yet both were neutralised by a vigilant Palace defence. A moment of brilliance arrived when Oscar Mingueza, operating from the left, delivered a low, curling cross that found Strand Larsen making a well‑timed run into the box. The Norwegian rose above his marker and headed the ball cleanly into the net, giving Palace a 1‑0 lead. The speed and precision of the move caught Middlesbrough off‑balance, and the goal marked a turning point in the match’s momentum.
After the breakthrough, Palace’s confidence surged. The team continued to absorb pressure, then exploded into rapid counter‑attacks, exploiting the spaces left by Middlesbrough’s forward‑leaning shape. In the 34th minute, a swift interchange saw Chilwell whip a lofted ball into the penalty area.
Strand Larsen, already in the zone, leapt above the defenders and powered a header past Brynn, doubling the lead and forcing the visitors to chase the game. Middlesbrough, despite the deficit, remained dangerous. Benítez produced a crucial save to deny Aidan Morris’s low drive, and the Boro side continued to press, creating a few half‑chances that tested Palace’s backline. Nevertheless, the home side’s defensive organisation held firm, and the midfield kept the ball moving laterally, waiting for the next opening.
The decisive blow came shortly after the interval. Daichi Kamada, introduced to add creativity, spotted a gap in the defence and slipped a perfectly weighted ball over Brynn’s reach. The striker’s composure under pressure allowed him to slot the ball into the net, sealing a 3‑0 victory for Palace.
The goal epitomised the tactical blueprint that had guided the team: stay compact, absorb attacks, and strike with speed and accuracy when the moment presented itself. Post‑match, Palace manager Pierre Sage reflected on the performance, acknowledging a sluggish start but praising the collective effort that emerged after the first goal. “We didn’t play well at the beginning of the game and we started to play when we scored the first goal.
It was a good collective action. We controlled the ball at this moment. At the end, we scored.
It’s a good sign. During the first half, I was not very happy with our way of defending.
We struggled when they played between our lines, but we corrected this during half‑time. It was better in the second half and we were able to score.
We didn’t have possession, but they’re a good team. I want to congratulate them, they played well,” he said. Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg offered a measured assessment, recognising the disappointment of a 3‑0 loss but highlighting the team’s resilience. “It’s always tough when you lose a game 3‑0 when it’s about scoring goals.
But if you look at the performance, that was quite an impressive 60 minutes away from home against a Premier League side. We got into a lot of good positions on the pitch, more than them, but their quality around those areas and what they did there was nice.
There are very few teams that go to the Premier League sides and take control of the game, which I think we did,” he remarked. Overall, the match showcased Crystal Palace’s ability to blend defensive solidity with incisive attacking play, a combination that will serve them well as they progress deeper into the cup competition. Their victory not only advances them to the next round but also sends a clear message to future opponents: Palace can weather early pressure, stay disciplined, and capitalize on the slightest lapse in the opposition’s concentration.
The win also provides a morale boost ahead of their upcoming league fixtures, reinforcing the squad’s belief in their tactical approach and the impact of key players like Strand Larsen and Kamada.