Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr was on target as Crystal Palace defeated Fiorentina 3-0 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League quarter-final. This victory brings them closer to reaching a major European semi-final.

Jean-Philippe Mateta scored his first goal in over three months from a penalty in the 24th minute after Evann Guessand was fouled by Dodo. Seven minutes later, he helped set up Palace’s second goal, which Tyrick Mitchell scored after a saved shot. Ismaila Sarr secured the win with a header in the 90th minute.

Mateta, starting for the first time since a transfer to AC Milan fell through, expressed his happiness after the match. He thanked the fans and said he was eager to continue working hard.

In addition to his penalty, Mateta had another close chance that went wide. Fiorentina came back stronger in the second half, hitting the crossbar and forcing some saves. However, Sarr’s late header sealed the game.

With this win, Palace takes a three-goal lead into the second leg in Florence next week, where they will aim for a spot in the semi-finals against either Shakhtar Donetsk or AZ Alkmaar.