Back of the Nest

Lou and Dee give their verdict on the victory over AZ Alkmaar

Ismaila Sarr scored twice as Crystal Palace won their first match in a major European competition on home soil, beating AZ Alkmaar in the Conference League at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace welcome AZ Alkmaar to Selhurst Park for a tasty European night under the lights. Palace fans will be buzzing for another go at continental football, hoping the lads keep that energy going. Expect noise, a few nerves, and maybe—just maybe—a bit of South London magic.

Pat and Lou break down Crystal Palace’s latest match with sharp, honest player ratings. Who dominated, who grafted, and who needs extra training?

Selhurst purring, Palace bossed Brentford from first whistle. Compact shape, crisp passing, and ruthless transitions earned a deserved 2-0. The press hemmed the Bees in, full-backs flew, and midfield snapped into everything. Clinical finishing, rock-solid defending, and game management. A comfortable, confident win that felt like lift-off in SE25. Superb.

Selhurst awaits another noisy afternoon as Palace host Brentford. Glasner’s men look sharper, more direct, and hungry for points. Control the midfield, press smartly, and the Bees will buzz themselves dizzy.

Anfield under the lights, and Palace flicked the switch. Sarr’s ruthless brace silenced the Kop; Pino iced it late as ten-man Liverpool unravelled. Streetwise, disciplined, brilliant on the break—classic Eagles away day. Quarter-finals booked, swagger restored, and a clean sheet to boot.

Palace battled bravely at the Emirates, organized and disciplined, undone only by a scruffy set-piece finish from a former Eagle. After the break we grew, pressed higher, and forced nervy clearances, but the final ball lacked bite. Plenty of heart, structure improving—on another day that’s a point.

Crystal Palace welcome AEK Larnaca to Selhurst Park for their Europa League clash, aiming to keep their continental charge rolling. Oliver Glasner’s side have found rhythm and belief, and with the home crowd roaring, they’ll expect to dominate.