Crystal Palace snatched a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory against AEK Larnaca in a tense UEFA Europa Conference League tie, thanks to a brace from hero Ismaïla Sarr.
Crystal Palace secured a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time win over AEK Larnaca on March 19, 2026. The match, held at AEK Arena, saw Ismaïla Sarr emerge as the undisputed hero. His two goals guided the Eagles to a crucial away victory.
This UEFA Europa Conference League clash was significant for both clubs. Crystal Palace aimed to advance deeply in European competition, a relatively rare feat for the Premier League side. AEK Larnaca, known for their strong home record, sought to create an upset.
The visitors started with clear attacking intent, dominating possession. Their early pressure paid off in the 13th minute. Ismaïla Sarr calmly slotted the ball home, giving Crystal Palace a deserved early lead.
Palace thought they had extended their advantage ten minutes later. Sarr again found the net, but the goal was swiftly disallowed by VAR for offside. This decision kept AEK Larnaca's hopes alive.
The first half saw increasing physicality from both sides. Crystal Palace's Chris Richards received a yellow card in the 27th minute for a foul. AEK Larnaca’s Enric Saborit was also cautioned in the 33rd minute for holding.
At half-time, Crystal Palace held a slender lead but had controlled the game. They held 70% possession and registered 13 total shots. AEK Larnaca needed to improve their attacking output to challenge the Premier League side.
AEK Larnaca emerged from the break with renewed determination. Their persistence was rewarded in the 63rd minute. Enric Saborit leveled the score, expertly finishing a move initiated by Marcus Rohdén's assist.
The momentum quickly shifted again for the Cypriot side. Saborit, already booked, received a second yellow card in the 73rd minute for another holding offence. His subsequent red card left Larnaca battling with ten men.
Crystal Palace pressed hard with their numerical advantage, creating several chances. However, AEK Larnaca goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerović made key saves to deny them. The match remained 1-1 after 90 minutes, pushing the tie into extra time.
The extra period saw Crystal Palace finally capitalize. In the 99th minute, Ismaïla Sarr struck again, securing his double with an assist from Daichi Kamada. AEK Larnaca's night worsened in the 120th minute. P. Ioannou received a straight red card for a serious foul, leaving them with nine players.
The statistics highlighted Crystal Palace's dominance. They finished with 70% possession, 27 total shots, and an expected goals (xG) of 3.03. AEK Larnaca managed only 6 shots and an xG of 0.28, despite their battling spirit.
Crystal Palace's resilience and Sarr's heroics sealed their progression in the UEFA Europa Conference League. AEK Larnaca fought valiantly, particularly when reduced to nine men. However, the English side ultimately proved too strong on a dramatic European night.
