Crystal Palace took a huge step towards the UEFA Conference League semi-finals after a convincing 3-0 first-leg victory over Fiorentina, stretching the Italian side’s winless streak against English opponents to four matches.
Both teams started brightly, eager to seize control of the quarter-final tie, but clear-cut chances were initially hard to come by.
Chris Richards was alert to block an effort from Roberto Piccoli, while Jean-Philippe Mateta nodded a header wide at the other end.
Fiorentina nearly grabbed the opener when Robin Gosens found himself in space after good work from Giovanni Fabbian, but the German failed to bring the ball under control.
Palace looked more dangerous in attack, with Evann Guessand going close after Daniel Munoz delivered a low cross into the area.
Guessand then missed another opportunity before winning a penalty after being brought down by Dodo, who was also booked and will miss the return leg.
Despite not scoring since January, Mateta kept his composure from the spot in the 24th minute, sending David de Gea the wrong way to put Palace ahead.
De Gea then produced an excellent save to deny Mateta a second, but Tyrick Mitchell reacted quickest to the rebound and squeezed the ball in off the post to double Palace’s lead.
Palace remained on the front foot before half-time, with Jaydee Canvot seeing an effort saved, while Maxence Lacroix fired wide.
Fiorentina threatened more after the restart and nearly pulled one back when Fabbian struck straight at Dean Henderson from a Dodo cutback.
Daichi Kamada soon responded for Palace by finding the side netting.
The visitors enjoyed their best spell midway through the second half, with Albert Gudmundsson and Piccoli both forcing good saves from Henderson.
Guessand’s injury was a concern for Palace, but the hosts stayed in control and sealed an even more commanding advantage in stoppage time.
Kamada delivered an inviting cross and Ismaila Sarr powered his header into the ground and into the top corner.
The late goal gave Palace a major advantage heading into the second leg at Stadio Artemio Franchi.
It also extended the Eagles’ unbeaten run to five matches and handed them their first victory in normal time in four games.
For Fiorentina, it was a first defeat in seven matches across all competitions and leaves them facing a difficult task to keep their European hopes alive.
