Ismaila Sarr netted a brace, enabling Crystal Palace to ultimately overcome the resolute defense of AEK Larnaca and clinch a berth in the Conference League quarter-finals.
Sarr registered a goal before the interval, only for the Cypriot side to equalize via Enric Saborit’s header. Saborit was dismissed with 17 minutes remaining, yet AEK’s 10 men maintained their resolve, forcing the contest into an additional period. However, they were unable to resist, with Sarr eventually delivering the decisive blow.
Oliver Glasner’s squad is set to confront Fiorentina in the quarter-final stage.
Palace commenced robustly, circulating possession assuredly. Sarr, a perpetual threat to AEK’s defensive unit, seized the initial opportunity of the night, striking the side of the net from a favorable position.
The Senegal international proved more clinical six minutes later. Adam Wharton’s through ball from midfield was aided by a slight deflection off an AEK defender, landing favorably for Sarr. Despite having much work ahead, he executed it flawlessly, bypassing goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerovic and tucking the sphere into the unguarded goal from the fringe of the box.
Sarr was central to all offensive endeavors Palace were creating. After seeing another effort disallowed for offside, he then assumed the role of creator with a cross that defender Chris Richards narrowly missed converting at the back post.
AEK Equalizes but Saborit Goes From Savior to Antagonist
AEK emerged with renewed vigor following the interval, applying higher pressure on Palace further up the field. This approach yielded dividends as Saborit leapt highest to send Marcus Rohden’s right-wing corner past Walter Benitez and into the bottom right-hand corner just beyond the sixty-minute point.
Having fought their way back into contention, the home side quickly undermined their position. Saborit, having been cautioned previously, executed an unnecessary infringement on Sarr and was subsequently ejected.
Sarr then blasted a wild effort high when in an opportune position, before sending a dreadful cross astray with Jean-Philippe Mateta unmarked at the back post.
Sarr wasted a further chance early in the initial stages of the added period, heading Yeremy Pino’s cross off target. Nevertheless, his tenacity finally bore fruit after 99 minutes. Wharton delivered a short set-piece to Daichi Kamada, whose driven delivery was tapped home from point-blank range.
Jorgen Strand Larsen had two near misses at finding the back of the net before AEK had a further player dismissed, with Petros Ioannou receiving a red card for an infraction on Mateta.
The game concluded in a dramatic fashion; home goalkeeper Alomerovic advanced for a final-minute set-piece, yet the clearance ensued, and Sarr struck the upright with an open net before him.