Mateta scores on first Palace start since January as Eagles sweep Fiorentina aside

French striker Jean-Philippe Mateta scored on his first Crystal Palace start since January, helping his team secure a commanding 3-0 victory over Italian side ACF Fiorentina at Selhurst Park in London on Thursday night, April 11, 2024, in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final. The comprehensive win gives the English Premier League side a significant advantage heading into next week's second leg in Florence. The match was a showcase for Palace's attacking intent under manager Oliver Glasner. Mateta, who had been sidelined from the starting eleven for over three months, broke the deadlock in the first half, converting a precise cross to net his first goal since January 1st. His return to form was a major boost for the Eagles, who dominated proceedings. Further goals from midfield dynamo Eberechi Eze and a late strike sealed a memorable European night for the home supporters, leaving Fiorentina with a mountain to climb in the return fixture. This result represents a significant step for Crystal Palace in their European campaign, putting them in a prime position to reach the semi-finals of a major continental competition for the first time in the club's history. For Fiorentina, the 2023 Conference League runners-up, the heavy defeat away from home is a major setback in their quest to go one better this season. The performance underscores the growing confidence and tactical cohesion within the Palace squad since Glasner's appointment, suggesting they are serious contenders in this year's tournament.