Crystal Palace: Are They Really Europa Conference League Favorites?
Crystal Palace, a team that's been turning heads, delivered a performance that has everyone talking. But what exactly happened on that Thursday night against AZ Alkmaar? Let's dive in.
For those who regularly watch Oliver Glasner's side, their quality is no secret. However, the match against AZ Alkmaar was a statement. After a rare stumble – a 1-0 loss to AEK Larnaca – Palace knew they needed to step up. Glasner himself emphasized the importance of a strong response against AZ Alkmaar, a team considered a strong contender in this season's Europa Conference League.
AZ Alkmaar started strong, putting Palace on the defensive early on. But here's where it gets interesting: despite some early hiccups, Palace didn't panic. They weathered the storm and responded with a vengeance.
Glasner's well-drilled team absorbed the initial pressure, then took control. Ismaila Sarr's skillful strike hitting the post was a sign of things to come. Palace then dominated, with AZ struggling to escape their half. During a 20-minute spell, Palace created several chances, including a saved penalty, a header that forced a great save, a shot that hit the bar, and finally, Maxence Lacroix breaking the deadlock.
Palace capitalized on set pieces, causing AZ Alkmaar problems with long throws, corners, and free-kicks. For Lacroix's goal, a long throw wasn't dealt with, and the ball fell perfectly for him to score. The goal was confirmed after a VAR review, which left some observers, like Glenn Hoddle, puzzled.
Palace then scored a second goal before halftime, with Sarr tapping home from close range. The first half was a masterclass in football: solid defense, clinical attack, and set-piece dominance.
After the break, Palace continued their dominance, though AZ Alkmaar managed to score in the 55th minute. However, Palace responded immediately, restoring their two-goal lead through a brilliant play by Mateta, who set up Sarr for his eighth goal of the season.
The rest of the game was relatively comfortable for Palace, who were able to rest key players. It was a perfect European night for Palace, who showed their rivals why they're considered favorites to win the Europa Conference League.
But here's a question for you: Do you agree that Crystal Palace's performance justifies their favorites tag? What do you think about their chances in the Europa Conference League? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
