Ismaila Sarr delivered when it mattered as Crystal Palace edged past AEK Larnaca in a dramatic extra-time clash to book their place in the Conference League quarter-finals. The Senegal forward opened the scoring in the 13th minute, calmly rounding goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerovic to give Palace the perfect start after a goalless first leg in London.
Despite early control, Palace struggled to extend their lead. The hosts remained disciplined and threatened from set-pieces, keeping the tie alive heading into the second half.
Larnaca fightback and red card drama
AEK Larnaca found their breakthrough in the 63rd minute when Enric Saborit headed home from a corner delivered by Marcus Rohden. The equaliser shifted momentum, but the game took a turn just 10 minutes later when Saborit was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.
Reduced to 10 men, Larnaca showed resilience and forced the game into extra time. However, their resistance was eventually broken as fatigue and numerical disadvantage began to show.
Sarr seals it in extra time
The decisive moment came in the 99th minute. Sarr struck again, finishing from close range after a low cross from Daichi Kamada to put Palace ahead. The goal proved enough to settle the contest.
Late drama followed as another Larnaca defender, Petros Ioannou, was sent off for a reckless challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta. Tempers flared in the closing moments, with home supporters throwing objects onto the pitch.
Sarr nearly completed a hat-trick but was denied by the woodwork, while Jorgen Strand Larsen also struck the post as Palace pushed for more goals.
Quarter-final clash awaits
The win sends Crystal Palace into the last eight, where they will face Fiorentina. It also serves as revenge for their earlier defeat to Larnaca in the league phase.
While not a flawless performance, Palace showed composure in key moments. With Sarr in top form, they will carry confidence into the next round as the competition intensifies.
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