Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first goal in over three months as Crystal Palace beat Fiorentina 3-0 in the first leg of their Uefa Conference League quarter-final tie. The victory moves Palace closer to a first major European semi-final.
Mateta made his first start since 25 January and replaced the suspended Jorgen Strand Larsen in the side.
Mateta Ends Goal Drought
Mateta opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 24th minute. This was his first goal since New Year’s Day. The penalty was awarded after Evann Guessand was fouled by Fiorentina defender Dodo.
Mateta sent De Gea the wrong way from the spot. He then celebrated with an exuberant karate-kick of the corner flag.
Palace Extend Their Lead
Crystal Palace extended their lead seven minutes later. Mateta saw his effort saved by David de Gea, but Tyrick Mitchell finished off the post.
Daichi Kamada found the run of Munoz in behind the visitors’ defence with a clipped ball. Mateta saw his effort from the Munoz cut-back saved, before Mitchell stuck in the rebound.
Sarr Secures Comfortable First-Leg Win
Ismaila Sarr scored a late third goal to give Fiorentina a mountain to climb. Sarr headed a Daichi Kamada cross past De Gea in the 90th minute.
Earlier, Mateta headed narrowly wide from a Daniel Munoz cross. Ismaila Sarr also went close with a curling long-range effort.
A minute before the penalty award, Guessand ran onto an Ismaila Sarr pass but was cleaned out by Dodo as he sliced his shot wide.
Fiorentina hit the crossbar through Giovanni Fabbian. Dean Henderson was also required to stop a header from Albert Gudmundsson and a low strike from Roberto Piccoli.
After the game, Mateta told TNT Sports: “For a long time I didn’t play, I didn’t start. I dreamed about scoring that goal for nights. I did and I am so happy.”
Mateta completed a lap of honour applauding Selhurst Park after the game.
He added: “They know me, I keep working hard. They know I am always here to reach victory and today we did it. Hopefully we can finish the job in Italy.”
Palace boss Oliver Glasner voiced his displeasure from the sidelines, but his side regained their composure and scored a third. Palace will take a lead to Italy.