Palace 2-1 AEK Larnaca (AET): Eagles Advance 2-1 Agg.

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.

            Crystal Palace Beat AEK Larnaca 2-1 After Extra Time: Sarr Brace Sends Eagles Into Conference League Quarter-Finals.

AEK Larnaca 1-2 Crystal Palace (AET): Ismaila Sarr's Double Sends Palace Through 2-1 on Aggregate.

Crystal Palace booked their place in the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals after beating AEK Larnaca 2-1 after extra time at the AEK Arena - George Karapatakis on Thursday, 19 March 2026.

After a goalless first leg at Selhurst Park, the tie appeared destined for another tense conclusion. However, Ismaila Sarr emerged as the decisive figure, scoring twice, including a dramatic 99th-minute winner, to send Oliver Glasner's side through 2-1 on aggregate.

The match became increasingly dramatic after AEK Larnaca were reduced to nine men. Enric Saborit was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, while Petros Ioannou was shown a straight red card deep into stoppage time.

The victory was a significant moment for Palace's European campaign. It also provided revenge for their earlier league-phase defeat against AEK Larnaca and kept their hopes of reaching the latter stages of the Conference League firmly alive.

Palace will now face Fiorentina in the quarter-finals, with the first leg scheduled for 9 April.

                    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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won AEK Larnaca vs Crystal Palace?

Crystal Palace won 2-1 after extra time in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League last-16 tie.

What was the aggregate score?

Crystal Palace won the tie 2-1 on aggregate after the first leg at Selhurst Park ended 0-0.

Who scored for Crystal Palace?

Ismaila Sarr scored both Palace goals, including the decisive extra-time winner in the 99th minute.

Who scored for AEK Larnaca?

Enric Saborit scored AEK Larnaca's only goal in the second leg with a header from a corner.

Why did AEK Larnaca finish with nine players?

Enric Saborit was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, while Petros Ioannou was shown a straight red card in the 120+4th minute.

Who will Crystal Palace play in the quarter-finals?

Crystal Palace will face Fiorentina in the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals.

When is Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina?

The quarter-final first leg is scheduled for 9 April 2026.

How many goals has Ismaila Sarr scored in the Conference League?

Following his brace against AEK Larnaca, Sarr's Conference League tally reached five goals.

Who was Crystal Palace's key player?

Ismaila Sarr was the standout player after scoring twice and deciding the tie in extra time.