FootyChatter.com

Ismaila Sarr has scored five goals in the Conference League this season At a glance Ismaila Sarr opens scoring for Palace to put them ahead in tie after goalless first leg Hosts level through Enric Saborit, who is then sent off for second bookable offence Sarr scores winner in extra time to set up Fiorentina meeting in last eight Petros Ioannou receives late red card to reduce Larnaca to nine men PLAYER RATINGS Ismaila Sarr scored twice as Crystal Palace edged past nine-man AEK Larnaca in extra time to move into the quarter-finals of the Conference League. The Senegal forward opened the scoring in the 13th minute to hand Oliver Glasner's side the perfect start in Cyprus following their first-leg goalless draw in south London a week ago. Spanish defender Enric Saborit headed in a 63rd-minute equaliser after the break before being sent-off for a second yellow card 10 minutes later, as the hosts took the tie to extra time. And it was left to Sarr to deliver the decisive contribution in the 99th minute as he steered in Daichi Kamada's low cross from close range set up a meeting with Fiorentina in the last eight. The closing minutes were marred by the dismissal of another Larnaca defender Petros Ioannou for a studs-first rash challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta, while home supporters threw cups and other objects on to the pitch. Palace's victory ensured they gained measure of revenge for their league phase defeat to the Cypriot side at Selhurst Park in October. However, it was far from plain sailing at times against a resolute Larnaca side who had conceded just once in their previous seven games in the competition. After Sarr had rounded home goalkeeper Zlatan Alomerovic to put them ahead, Palace made heavy weather of putting the game beyond the hosts and were punished for a defensive lapse as Saborit headed home a Marcus Rohden corner. It was only once Sarr had registered his fifth goal in the competition that Palace, aided by their numerical advantage, threatened to cut loose. The 28-year-old also curled an effort on to the Larnaca crossbar, while Jorgen Strand Larsen headed against the post as another goalmouth scramble almost produced a goal. Sarr was again denied a hat-trick when he hit the frame of the goal with almost the last kick of the game. Have your say on Crystal Palace's display Glasner had called for his side to be more ruthless in front of goal following their 0-0 draws, against Larnaca and in the Premier League against Leeds, over the past week. And when Sarr latched on to Adam Wharton's deflected pass to put Palace in charge early on, his wish appeared to have been granted. The forward was Palace's main source of inspiration throughout the night and thought he had doubled the lead midway through the first half, but was correctly flagged offside when he headed in Kamada's delivery from the left. But worryingly from there, his side's performance fell flat. Larnaca had barely got out of their half until they levelled when the unmarked Saborit climbed above Chris Richards to head in a set-piece. However, Sarr came to the rescue to maintain the Eagles' European dream and deserved a first senior hat-trick, with his late attempts hitting the woodwork. On this form, he looks capable of helping his departing Austrian boss go out on a high at the end of the campaign, as Palace look to become the third team from London to lift the Conference League trophy in four years. Crystal Palace are next in action on Thursday, 9 April when they host Fiorentina in the Conference League quarter-finals. AEK Larnaca play APOEL in the Cypriot First Division on Sunday, 22 March (17: 00 GMT). After the opportunity to rate players has closed, the score displayed represents the average from all the submissions by BBC Sport users. Comments can not be loaded To load Comments you need to enable Java Script in your browser Manager: Javier Rozada Formation: 5 - 4 - 1 Manager: Oliver Glasner Formation: 3 - 4 - 3 Manager: Javier Rozada Formation: 5 - 4 - 1 Manager: Oliver Glasner Formation: 3 - 4 - 3 UEFA Conference League All competitions All competitions All competitions Match ends, AEK Larnaca 1, Crystal Palace 2. Second Half Extra Time ends, AEK Larnaca 1, Crystal Palace 2. Attempt missed. Yéremy Pino (Crystal Palace) right footed shot from the centre of the box is close, but misses to the left. Assisted by Daniel Muñoz. Ismaïla Sarr (Crystal Palace) hits the right post with a right footed shot from outside the box. Assisted by Jean-Philippe Mateta following a fast break. Handball by Yéremy Pino (Crystal Palace). Petros Ioannou (AEK Larnaca) is shown the red card. VAR Decision: Card upgraded Petros Ioannou (AEK Larnaca). Valentin Roberge (AEK Larnaca) is shown the yellow card. Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Petros Ioannou (AEK Larnaca). Fourth official has announced 4 minutes of added time. Substitution, Crystal Palace. Will Hughes replaces Adam Wharton. Delay over. They are ready to continue. Delay in match (Crystal Palace). Foul by Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace). Robert Mudrazija (AEK Larnaca) wins a free kick in the attacking half. Substitution, AEK Larnaca. Waldo Rubio replaces Enzo Cabrera because of an injury. Delay over. They are ready to continue. Delay in match because of an injury Enzo Cabrera (AEK Larnaca). Jefferson Lerma (Crystal Palace) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Copyright © 2026 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.