Fiorentina 2-1 Crystal Palace (2-4 on agg): Palace hold off hosts to seal place in Conference League semis
Crystal Palace remain on course for a first major European trophy after holding off a Fiorentina fightback to confirm their place in the semi-finals of the Conference League.
The Eagles already had one foot in the last four after impressively beating their Italian opponents 3-0 in the first leg at Selhurst Park.
Fiorentina fans produced an incredible atmosphere before kick-off in the return as they tried to inspire their side to a comeback, but their hopes were dealt a major blow just 17 minutes into the game when Ismaila Sarr headed Palace in front after meeting a Daniel Munoz cross.
That made it 4-0 on aggregate, but the hosts gave themselves a fighting chance when they equalised on the night from the penalty spot in the 30th minute.
Jaydee Canvot caught Rolando Mandragora inside the box and Albert Gudmundsson stepped up to send Eagles keeper Dean Henderson the wrong way from the spot.
That home hope grew stronger when substitute Cher Ndour struck from outside the box eight minutes into the second half.
Henderson then made a good save to keep out Gudmundsson’s effort as Fiorentina pushed for more goals, but Palace held firm to ensure their European adventure continued.
They will next face Shakhtar Donetsk over two legs for a place in the final after the Ukrainian side beat AZ 5-2 on aggregate after a 2-2 draw in the Netherlands.
Progression did, however, come at a cost as Palace lost both Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix in the first half to injuries, which manager Oliver Glasner will hope are not serious.
