AZ Outclassed by Crystal Palace in 3-1 UEFA Conference League Defeat
AZ Alkmaar suffered a clear 3-1 defeat against English Premier League side Crystal Palace on Thursday evening in the UEFA Conference League. Luck was the only factor preventing a heavier loss for the Dutch team at Selhurst Park.
First-Half Pressure from Palace
Crystal Palace, who earned their place in the competition by winning the English FA Cup, created their first major opportunity in the 11th minute. A long ball was headed back into the penalty area by Chris Richards, where Ismaila Sarr chested it down and struck a volley that bounced off the goalpost.
Moments later, a through ball from Yeremy Pino found Sarr, who was brought down by Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, resulting in a penalty. Regular penalty taker Jean-Philippe Mateta saw his shot saved brilliantly by Owusu-Oduro, keeping the score level.
Palace Dominate the Play
Oliver Glazer’s side remained relentless after the penalty miss. Owusu-Oduro denied Sarr's powerful header, and shortly after, Will Hughes sent a looping volley onto the crossbar. The sustained pressure soon produced the breakthrough.
A long aerial pass was nodded back by Sarr toward center-back Maxine Lacroix, who drilled a low volley into the corner of the net to make it 1-0 for the hosts.
AZ’s Late Response
AZ created their first serious chance in injury time of the first half. Sven Mijnans fired a strong effort from outside the penalty area, but Crystal Palace keeper Dean Henderson pushed it away smartly at his near post, a minute before the London side doubled their advantage.
“Luck was the only thing that kept the home side from scoring more at Selhurst Park.”
Author’s Summary: Crystal Palace dominated AZ in every aspect, sealing a 3-1 win marked by missed chances, relentless pressure, and moments of great goalkeeping.