Palace 2-1 AEK Larnaca (AET): Eagles Advance 2-1 Agg.UEFA Conference League Last 16: AEK Larnaca 1-2 Crystal Palace (AET) – Eagles Advance 2-1 on Aggregate to Quarter-Finals.
On Thursday, March 19, 2026, Crystal Palace secured a hard-fought passage to the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory after extra time over AEK Larnaca at the AEK Arena - George Karapatakis in Cyprus.
The aggregate scoreline of 2-1 (following a goalless first leg at Selhurst Park) was sealed by a brace from Ismaila Sarr, whose 99th-minute extra-time winner proved decisive amid a dramatic night that saw the hosts reduced to nine men.
The result avenged Palace's earlier league-phase defeat to AEK Larnaca and sets up a tantalizing quarter-final clash with Italian side Fiorentina starting April 9. Under manager Oliver Glasner, the Eagles demonstrated resilience, ruthlessness in key moments, and the ability to grind out results in Europe—qualities that could carry them deep into the competition.
Crystal Palace edge out Larnaca to reach Conference League quarters.
The result avenged Palace's earlier league-phase defeat to AEK Larnaca and sets up a tantalizing quarter-final clash with Italian side Fiorentina starting April 9. Under manager Oliver Glasner, the Eagles demonstrated resilience, ruthlessness in key moments, and the ability to grind out results in Europe—qualities that could carry them deep into the competition.
Crystal Palace edge out Larnaca to reach Conference League quarters.
First Half: Sarr Strikes Early
Palace started brightly in the rainy Cypriot night, with 7,019 fans creating an intense atmosphere despite the modest crowd. In the 13th minute, Ismaila Sarr latched onto a deflected pass from Adam Wharton, rounded goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerovic, and slotted home calmly to give the visitors a crucial away goal and lead in the tie.
Palace beat nine-man AEK Larnaca for last-eight spot.
Palace started brightly in the rainy Cypriot night, with 7,019 fans creating an intense atmosphere despite the modest crowd. In the 13th minute, Ismaila Sarr latched onto a deflected pass from Adam Wharton, rounded goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerovic, and slotted home calmly to give the visitors a crucial away goal and lead in the tie.
Palace beat nine-man AEK Larnaca for last-eight spot.
Sarr, Palace's standout performer, nearly doubled the advantage midway through the half but was correctly flagged offside after heading in Daichi Kamada's cross. The Senegalese forward's pace and directness troubled AEK's defense throughout, though Palace failed to capitalize further, allowing the hosts to stay in the contest.
Second Half: Saborit Levels, Then Sees Red
AEK Larnaca grew into the game after the break. In the 63rd minute, they capitalized on a set-piece: Marcus Rohdén's corner found unmarked defender Enric Saborit, who powered a header past Dean Henderson to level the score on the night (1-1 aggregate).
Second Half: Saborit Levels, Then Sees Red
AEK Larnaca grew into the game after the break. In the 63rd minute, they capitalized on a set-piece: Marcus Rohdén's corner found unmarked defender Enric Saborit, who powered a header past Dean Henderson to level the score on the night (1-1 aggregate).
Crystal Palace beat Aek Larnaca 2-1 after extra time to reach Conference League last eight.
Momentum shifted briefly, but disaster struck for the Cypriots 10 minutes later. Saborit received a second yellow card for a reckless challenge, reducing AEK to 10 men and forcing them to defend desperately.
Extra Time Drama: Sarr Delivers Again
Extra time saw Palace push for the winner. Sarr curled an effort onto the crossbar, and Jorgen Strand Larsen headed against the post in a frantic goalmouth scramble. The breakthrough arrived in the 99th minute: Daichi Kamada's low cross found Sarr, who steered home from close range for his second goal and the tie's decisive strike.
The closing stages turned chaotic. In the 120+4th minute, AEK defender Petros Ioannou was shown a straight red for a studs-up challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta. Frustrated home supporters threw objects onto the pitch, but Palace held firm to secure progression.
Crystal Palace learn next Conference League opponent after extra-time Larnaca victory.
Extra Time Drama: Sarr Delivers Again
Extra time saw Palace push for the winner. Sarr curled an effort onto the crossbar, and Jorgen Strand Larsen headed against the post in a frantic goalmouth scramble. The breakthrough arrived in the 99th minute: Daichi Kamada's low cross found Sarr, who steered home from close range for his second goal and the tie's decisive strike.
The closing stages turned chaotic. In the 120+4th minute, AEK defender Petros Ioannou was shown a straight red for a studs-up challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta. Frustrated home supporters threw objects onto the pitch, but Palace held firm to secure progression.
Crystal Palace learn next Conference League opponent after extra-time Larnaca victory.
Post-Match Reaction & Analysis
Glasner praised his side's character: "It's a huge achievement... We will have a few days off, prepare with a friendly, and expect Eddie Nketiah back." Sarr, named Player of the Match (8.60 rating), was the difference-maker with his pace, finishing, and composure—his double taking his Conference League tally to five.
Palace's performance echoed Glasner's call for ruthlessness after recent draws. While wasteful at times, they exploited numerical advantages and showed European pedigree. AEK's resilience (conceding just once in prior seven games) was admirable, but discipline cost them dearly.
Statistical SnapshotAttendance: 7,019 at AEK Arena.
Shots: Palace created more clear chances in extra time.
Key Moments: Sarr brace, Saborit goal + red, Ioannou red.
What's Next? Palace enjoy an international break before hosting Fiorentina in the quarters. AEK return to domestic action against APOEL on March 22.
This gritty win keeps Palace's European dream alive, potentially becoming the third London club to lift the Conference League in four years. Sarr's heroics and Glasner's management point to a squad ready for bigger tests ahead.
Glasner praised his side's character: "It's a huge achievement... We will have a few days off, prepare with a friendly, and expect Eddie Nketiah back." Sarr, named Player of the Match (8.60 rating), was the difference-maker with his pace, finishing, and composure—his double taking his Conference League tally to five.
Palace's performance echoed Glasner's call for ruthlessness after recent draws. While wasteful at times, they exploited numerical advantages and showed European pedigree. AEK's resilience (conceding just once in prior seven games) was admirable, but discipline cost them dearly.
Statistical SnapshotAttendance: 7,019 at AEK Arena.
Shots: Palace created more clear chances in extra time.
Key Moments: Sarr brace, Saborit goal + red, Ioannou red.
What's Next? Palace enjoy an international break before hosting Fiorentina in the quarters. AEK return to domestic action against APOEL on March 22.
This gritty win keeps Palace's European dream alive, potentially becoming the third London club to lift the Conference League in four years. Sarr's heroics and Glasner's management point to a squad ready for bigger tests ahead.
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