Extra time hero Ismaila Sarr sends Crystal Palace into Conference League quarters

Crystal Palace are through to the UEFA Conference League quarter-finals after a dramatic 2-1 extra-time win over AEK Larnaca, with Ismaila Sarr scoring both goals on a tense night in Cyprus.

The result secured a 2-1 aggregate victory and underlined Palace’s growing European confidence.

Oliver Glasner’s side started on the front foot and were rewarded early when Sarr sprinted onto a perfectly weighted through ball and kept his composure to slot past the goalkeeper for 1-0 on 13 minutes. Palace continued to control the tempo but failed to add a second, leaving the tie alive.

AEK gradually grew into the game and levelled in the second half from a set-piece, as Enric Saborit headed in to make it 1-1 on the night and across the tie. The hosts’ momentum was checked when they were reduced to ten men late on, giving Palace the upper hand heading into extra time.

In the additional period, Palace finally made the advantage count, Sarr arriving in the box to turn in Daichi Kamada’s ball and settle a hard-fought contest.