
UEFA Europa Conference League
5:45 p.mMarch 19, 2026
Round of 16

AEK Larnaca1 – 2
VAT:(0-1)
Added:(1-2)

Crystal Palace*AEK Arena
Referee: Aliyar Aghayev, Azerbaijan


AEK Larnaca


Crystal Palace
Turn off the spoiler to see match stats
0.28
Expected Goals (xG)
3.03
Passing by
197 (68%)
Accurate passes
597 (89%)
Turn off the spoiler to see the events of the match
1
G
Zlatan Alomerovic
7.7
14
d
Ángel García (C)
6.3
d
Enric Saborit
63′
15
d
Hrvoje Milicevic
8.0
22
d
Godswill Ekpolo
6.3
d
Petros Ioannou
9
m
Djordje Ivanovic
6.2
17
m
Peter Pons
6.6
7
m
Gus Ledes
6.7
m
Marcus Rohden
11
F
Riad Bajić
7.2

UEFA Europa Conference League Classification – UEFA Conference League
Qualification/Relegation
- Promotion – League Conference (Play Off: Round of 16)
- Promotion – League Conference (Play Off: 1/16 final)
Crystal Palace secured a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win against AEK Larnaca in a tense UEFA Europa Conference League tie thanks to a brace from hero Ismaïla Sarr.
Crystal Palace secured a hard-fought 2-1 extra-time victory over AEK Larnaca on 19 March 2026. The match, held at the AEK Arena, saw Ismaïla Sarr emerge as the undisputed hero. His two goals guided the Eagles to a crucial away win.
This UEFA Europa Conference League clash was important for both clubs. Crystal Palace were aiming to progress deep into European competition, a relatively rare feat for the Premier League. AEK Larnaca, known for their strong home record, looked to create an upset.
The visitors started with a clear attacking intent, dominating possession. Their early pressure paid off in the 13th minute. Ismaïla Sarr calmly slotted the ball home to give Crystal Palace a deserved early lead.
Palace thought they had extended their lead ten minutes later. Sarr found the net again, but the goal was quickly ruled out by VAR for offside. This decision kept AEK Larnaca’s hopes alive.
The first half saw increased physicality from both sides. Crystal Palace’s Chris Richards received a yellow card in the 27th minute for a foul. Enric Saborit of AEK Larnaca has also been booked in the 33rd minute for holding on.
At half-time, Crystal Palace had a slim lead but were in control of the game. They had 70% possession and recorded 13 shots in total. AEK Larnaca needed to improve their offensive performance to challenge the Premier League side.
AEK Larnaca came out of the break with renewed determination. His persistence was rewarded in the 63rd minute. Enric Saborit equalized the score, expertly finishing a move started by Marcus Rohdén’s assist.
The momentum quickly shifted again for the Cypriot side. Saborit, already cautioned, received a second yellow card in the 73rd minute for another lack of retention. His subsequent red card left Larnaca struggling with ten men.
Crystal Palace pressed hard with their numerical advantage, creating several chances. However, AEK Larnaca goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerović made key saves to deny them. The game remained 1-1 in the 90th minute, forcing the tie into overtime.
The extra period saw Crystal Palace finally capitalize. In the 99th minute, Ismaïla Sarr struck again, securing his double with an assist from Daichi Kamada. AEK Larnaca’s night took a turn for the worse in the 120th minute. P. Ioannou was shown a straight red card for a serious foul, leaving them with nine men.
The stats highlighted Crystal Palace’s dominance. They finished with 70% possession, 27 total shots and an expected goal (xG) of 3.03. AEK Larnaca managed just 6 shots and an xG of 0.28, despite their fighting spirit.
Crystal Palace’s resilience and Sarr’s heroics sealed their progression to the UEFA Europa Conference League. AEK Larnaca fought bravely, especially when reduced to nine men. However, the English side ultimately proved too strong on a dramatic European night.

