Ismaïla Sarr scored a decisive brace to send Crystal Palace into the Europa Conference League quarter-finals after a 2-1 extra-time win against AEK Larnaca in Cyprus.
The Senegalese winger opened the scoring in the 13th minute, giving the Eagles an early advantage.
AEK Larnaca responded with an equaliser in regulation time, forcing the match into extra time where Sarr once again proved decisive.
In the 99th minute, he burst into the box to net the winner, securing Palace’s progression to the next round.
Sarr’s performance underlined his importance to the team in Europe this season.
With his two goals against AEK Larnaca, he became Crystal Palace’s top scorer in the competition and has now amassed 15 goals in all competitions, marking the best single-season tally of his career.
“This brace confirms that Ismaïla Sarr is currently Crystal Palace’s most decisive player in Europe this season,” a club statement noted, highlighting his role in key European fixtures.
The Senegalese forward has a history of performing in continental competitions.
His European career now includes 11 goals, with previous contributions including four Europa League goals for Rennes in 2019, two for Marseille in 2024, and five in this season’s Europa Conference League campaign with Crystal Palace.
Earlier this season, Sarr scored in a 1-1 away draw and recorded a brace in a 3-1 victory over AZ Alkmaar.
His latest performance against Larnaca ensured the Eagles could advance, demonstrating his ability to deliver in critical moments.
With Sarr in top form, Crystal Palace enter the quarter-finals with renewed confidence and high ambitions for the remainder of the Europa Conference League campaign.
The club will now aim to build on this momentum as they prepare for the next stage of the competition.
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