Sarr Fires Palace Past Nine-Man Larnaca in Extra Time

Sarr Fires Palace Into Conference League Last Eight

Crystal Palace booked their place in the Conference League quarter-finals after a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over AEK Larnaca.

The hero of the night was Ismaila Sarr, who scored twice to keep Palace’s European dream alive.

Sarr Delivers in Extra Time

Palace made the perfect start:

• Sarr opened the scoring in the 13th minute after rounding the goalkeeper

However, Larnaca responded:

• Enric Saborit headed an equaliser in the 63rd minute

The game shifted dramatically when:

• Saborit was sent off (second yellow)
• Petros Ioannou later saw red for a reckless challenge

With a two-man advantage, Palace pushed on.

👉 In the 99th minute, Sarr struck again from close range after a low cross by Daichi Kamada.

Late Drama and Missed Chances

Sarr nearly completed a hat-trick:

• Hit the crossbar late on
• Came inches away again in stoppage time

Palace also saw:

• Jørgen Strand Larsen hit the post

Despite dominance, the game remained tense until the final whistle.

Glasner Gets the Response

Manager Oliver Glasner had demanded more attacking sharpness—and got it.

After recent 0-0 draws, Palace showed:

• Better attacking intent
• Clinical finishing when it mattered
• Resilience under pressure

Tense Atmosphere in Cyprus

The closing stages were marred by:

• Objects thrown from the stands
• Heated challenges and red cards

👉 A chaotic end to an already intense tie.

What’s Next?

Palace now face:

• ACF Fiorentina

in the quarter-finals on 9 April.

With the international break ahead, Palace will:

• Rest players
• Regroup
• Prepare for a demanding run-in

European Dream Alive

This win also gives Palace:

• Revenge for a previous defeat to Larnaca
• Momentum heading into the final stretch of the season

Sarr, now with five goals in the competition, is emerging as a key figure.