Palace hold on as Strasbourg seal comeback – Conference League wrap

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Crystal Palace reached the UEFA Conference League semi-finals despite a 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina, while Strasbourg scored four against Mainz to book their place.

Palace made a strong start in Florence and took the lead in the 17th minute through Ismaila Sarr, who headed home to register his seventh goal of the campaign. Fiorentina responded before the break when Albert Gudmundsson converted from the penalty spot after a foul in the box.

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The hosts increased the pressure early in the second half, with Cher Ndour striking from distance to make it 2-1 on the night. Palace, however, managed the closing stages well to see out the tie and secure their place in a first European semi-final. The result was tempered by injuries to Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix, who were both forced off in the first half.

Palace will now face Shakhtar Donetsk, who progressed with a 5-2 aggregate win over AZ Alkmaar following a 2-2 draw in the second leg.

Elsewhere, Strasbourg produced one of the standout performances of the round, overturning a two-goal deficit to beat Mainz 4-0 and advance 4-2 on aggregate. Early goals from Sebastian Nanasi and Abdoul Ouattara levelled the tie before Julio Enciso and Emmanuel Emegha sealed the comeback.

They will meet Rayo Vallecano in the semi-finals after the Spanish side edged past AEK Athens 4-3 on aggregate despite losing the second leg 3-1.

The semi-final line-up now sees Palace take on Shakhtar, while Strasbourg face Rayo, with both ties set to be played later this month.

– AFP

Photo: REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq

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Dylan Johnson