3-1 Crystal Palace vs AZ: Eagles Soar in Commanding European Victory

Crystal Palace continued their impressive European run with a confident 3–1 victory over AZ Alkmaar at Selhurst Park on Thursday night. The result not only keeps their continental hopes alive but also showcases the growing maturity and attacking cohesion under their current setup. With goals from Lacroix and a brace from Ismaïla Sarr, the Eagles turned on the style after a slow start to outplay their Dutch opponents.

A Missed Penalty That Sparked a Response

The evening began with drama early on. Palace’s talisman Jean-Philippe Mateta won a penalty in the 17th minute after being brought down in the box, but his effort from the spot was saved, drawing a collective groan from the Selhurst Park crowd. Instead of letting the miss deflate them, Palace seemed galvanized. The energy from the stands lifted the players, and within five minutes, they were ahead.

Lacroix Leads the Charge

In the 22nd minute, Lacroix found himself perfectly positioned to pounce on a loose ball inside the AZ penalty area. After some clever buildup play on the right flank, the ball fell kindly to the French defender, who struck low and hard past the goalkeeper to make it 1–0. It was an unusual source for the opener, but it perfectly captured Palace’s determination to seize control of the game after the early setback.

That goal settled Palace’s nerves and allowed them to dictate the tempo. Their passing became sharper, their pressing more organized, and their front line started stretching the AZ backline. Sarr, in particular, looked electric, constantly running at defenders and creating space for his teammates.

Sarr Doubles the Lead Before the Break

As the first half ticked into stoppage time, Palace were rewarded for their pressure. Lacroix, fresh from scoring the opener, turned provider this time. He whipped in a teasing cross from the right, and Sarr, timing his run to perfection, nodded home from close range in the 45th +4 minute to double the advantage. It was the kind of incisive, confident play that Palace fans have been yearning for a blend of pace, precision, and purpose.

The two-goal cushion gave the Eagles a commanding platform going into the break, but the visitors were not ready to concede defeat just yet.

AZ Fight Back Briefly

AZ emerged from the tunnel with renewed intent. Their midfield began to find pockets of space, and their full-backs pushed higher up the pitch. Their persistence paid off in the 54th minute when Mijnans finished off a neat move, slotting home after an assist from Smit. The goal gave the Dutch side a glimmer of hope and briefly silenced the home crowd.

At 2–1, the match hung in the balance. AZ started to press harder, sensing a possible equalizer, but that ambition left gaps at the back gaps that Palace would ruthlessly exploit.

Sarr Seals It with a Stunning Second

Barely three minutes after conceding, Palace responded in emphatic fashion. Mateta, eager to make up for his earlier penalty miss, turned provider with a smart layoff into the path of Sarr. The Senegalese winger made no mistake, curling his shot past the AZ goalkeeper to restore Palace’s two-goal lead in the 57th minute. It was a composed finish and capped off an excellent individual performance from Sarr, who has been steadily becoming one of Palace’s most influential players this season.

From that moment on, there was no way back for AZ. Palace’s defensive structure held firm, with Andersen and Guehi snuffing out any remaining threat. The midfield duo provided stability, recycling possession intelligently to keep the visitors chasing shadows. The home crowd, sensing victory, erupted into chants as time wound down.

A Statement Win for the Eagles

When the final whistle blew, the scoreboard read 3–1 a result that fairly reflected Palace’s dominance and resilience. The missed penalty could have been a turning point, but instead, it became a catalyst for one of their most convincing European performances in recent memory.

Managerially, the tactics were spot on: controlled aggression, fluid transitions, and sharp finishing from wide areas. Lacroix’s early goal and assist highlighted his growing importance as a box-to-box threat, while Sarr’s brace reaffirmed his status as the team’s attacking spearhead. Mateta’s penalty miss might have been frustrating, but his assist for the third goal showed great character and maturity.

Looking Ahead

This victory puts Crystal Palace in an excellent position in their group campaign, with momentum firmly on their side. The combination of experience, discipline, and flair was evident throughout the match qualities that could carry them deep into the competition if sustained.

For AZ, it was a night of missed opportunities and defensive lapses. They showed glimpses of quality, especially in their goal, but ultimately couldn’t cope with Palace’s intensity and quick transitions.

Selhurst Park was rocking, and as the final whistle sounded, one thing was clear: the Eagles have taken flight in Europe. With performances like this, belief among the supporters is soaring just as high.